Christmas Past

Christmas 2025

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800

Merry Christmas! The festive season reaches its peak today. And for the tenth year in a row, I'm here on Christmas Day to take a look back. We'll reflect on the news and trends, the sights and sounds that made Christmas of 2025 what it was.

Plus, a little report from Christmas Past headquarters, and a guest appearance from little Dashiell!

Wishing all of your a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I'll see you all again in 2026!

Music in this Episode

"Deck the Halls A" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Books

Of Christmases Long, Long Ago: Surprising Traditions from Christmas Past (2025, Lyons Press and Recorded Books) It's Christmas as you've never seen it before, and it makes a great gift for all the Christmas lovers in your life.

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Christmas Memories 2025 - vol 4

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800

This episode arrives on Christmas Eve Eve. It's our final family gathering of the season, where members of the Christmas Past family share some of their favorite Christmas memories.

Music in This Episode

"Cozy Podcast Music with Christmas Bells" — Denis Pavlov, via Pixabay
"Podcast Jazz Waltz Cozy Relaxing Vibes" — Denis Pavlov, via Pixabay

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Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

The Secret Santa of Kansas City

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800

A mysterious philanthropist spent more than 25 years handing out cash anonymously around Kansas City at Christmastime.

Music in this Episode

"I Knew A Guy" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Elegy for Manush" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"The Agency Man" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Velvet Ladder" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Soft Piano Music" — Clavier Music, via Pixabay
"A Very Brady Special" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" — Unnamed Artist, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Christmas Memories 2025 - vol 3

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800

We're at the end of the last full week of the Christmas season. Christmas 2025 is right around the corner. And today, we're back with another family gathering to reminisce about Christmases past. It's another visit dedicated to you and your Christmas memories!

Music in This Episode

"Cozy Podcast Music with Christmas Bells" — Denis Pavlov, via Pixabay
"Podcast Jazz Waltz Cozy Relaxing Vibes" — Denis Pavlov, via Pixabay

Connect with Me

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

The Silent Night

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800

During the Great War, the fighting briefly ceased on Christmas on some parts of the front line. The so-called "Christmas Truce" has become almost legendary. What really happened?

Read some of the newspaper articles from 1914 and 1915 reporting on the story at the Library of Congress's Chronicling America archive.

Music in this Episode

"Drum Feature: Generations from the Simple Gifts Show" — The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, via Free Music Archive
"Silent Night" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Slowest Time" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" — The Victor Mixed Chorus, via Library of Congress
"The First Noel" — The Victor Mixed Chorus, via Library of Congress
"Silent Night" — The Victor Mixed Chorus, via Library of Congress
"Gentle Soft Piano | Christmas Vibes" — Alex Productions, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

All of you on the Good Earth

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800

1968 was one of the most tumultuous years in modern history. But one bright spot occurred on Christmas Eve: an amazing feat that captivated the world.

Music in this Episode

"Farewell" — Maarten Schellekens, via Free Music Archive
"Endless Cosmos" — Serge Quadrado, via Free Music Archive
"You'll Never Come to Dorset" — C. Diab, from the album Immerro, courtesy of Tonal Union records
"Dawn Summit" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Cozy Jazz Podcast Music with Christmas Bells" — Denis Pavlov, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

The Hero of Dear Old Halifax

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800

A tragic accident at Christmastime in 1917 gives way to a story of a heroic response, a lasting friendship, and a unique Christmas tradition.

Read Walter's letter to Harold, described in this story.

Music in this Episode

"Carrier's Lullaby" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Quiet Serenity" — Lite Saturation, via Free Music Archive
"Stay the Course" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Oh Christmas Tree" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist
"Relax Romantic Jazz Calm Soothing Home" — Denis Pavlov, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Christmas Memories 2025 - vol 2

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800

Boy, are we right in the thick of this Christmas season. Thanksgiving was just a little over two weeks ago. Christmas Day is just a little under two weeks from today. I suppose that makes it peak Christmas season.

So, what better time to come together again for a Christmas Past family gathering? Today, it's another special episode dedicated to you and your Christmas memories.

Music in This Episode

"Cozy Podcast Music with Christmas Bells" — Denis Pavlov, via Pixabay
"Podcast Jazz Waltz Cozy Relaxing Vibes" — Denis Pavlov, via Pixabay

Connect with Me

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Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

None Appeared More Astonished

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800

A child's Christmas surprise for his family in 1902 became the stuff of myth and legend.

Music in this Episode

"Crystal Dreams" — Lite Saturation, via Free Music Archive
"Silent Movie" —Anastasia Chubarova, via Pixabay
"Dreadnaught Files" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Cannolini" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Lonely Christmas" — Snoozy Beats, via Free Music Archive
"Calm Christmas Piano" — Clavier Clavier, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

The Weeping Waters

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800

In 1953, a Christmas Eve train bound for New Zealand's capital city met a tragic fate.

Music in this Episode

"Ourselves at Least" — C. Diab, from the album Imerro on Tonal Union Records
"Bucharest" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Cozy Winter" — Oleksii Kalyna, via Pixabay
"Velejo" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Below the River" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Sad Sorrowful Documentary Music" — Ievgen Poltavskyi, via Pixabay
"Venus Aire" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

When the Current Was Turned

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800

In 1882, inventor Edward Johnson set up a one-of-a-kind Christmas display in his New York City home...and it changed the face of Christmas as we know it.

Music in This Episode

"Vessel Five" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"In the Saloon" — Piano Music, via Pixabay
"Whispers of the Heart" — Lite Saturation, via Free Music Archive
"Vessel One" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Sunday Morning" — Maarten Schellekens, via Free Music Archive
"World of Dreams" — Tune Tank, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Christmas Memories 2025 - vol 1

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800

The Christmas season is in full swing. The tree is up. The carols are playing. The shopping and baking merrymaking of all sorts is here once again. We're all doing a lot of the stuff that Christmas memories are made of.

And Christmas memories are what bring us together here today. This season on Christmas Past, I’m sharing your Christmas memories in special episodes dedicated just to them...like this one.

I want to share one of your memories in one of the several other episodes like that will arrive in the coming weeks. Listen to the episode for details on how to be on the show!

Music in This Episode

"Cozy Podcast Music with Christmas Bells" — Denis Pavlov, via Pixabay
"Podcast Jazz Waltz Cozy Relaxing Vibes" — Denis Pavlov, via Pixabay

Connect with Me

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Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Homecoming

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800

On a cold winter's night, a man working in a field saw an out-of-place object in the night sky. This is a Christmas story, but it's not the one you think it is.

Music in This Episode

"Below the River" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Dream Lodger" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Embrace Serenity" — Lite Saturation, via Free Music Archive
"Mallet Play" — Maarten Schellekens, via Free Music Archive
"The First Noel" — Clavier, via Pixabay
"Greensleeves" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

The Builder of Tomorrows

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800

Inventor Reginald Aubrey Fessenden received hundreds of patents in his career. And one invention that debuted in 1906 changed Christmas as we know it.

Music in This Episode

"Agony and Ivory" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"The Cresting" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Tranquility" — Kevin MacLeod, via Free Music Archive
"Peaceful Acoustic Guitar Instrumental for Relaxation" — Nicholas Panek, via Pixabay
"Wholesome Original Lullaby" — Viktor Baikovskyi, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

The Birthday Gift

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800

Teenaged Annie Ide resented being born on December 25 because Christmas always overshadowed her birthday. But a unique birthday gift from an eccentric family friend would change the course of her life forever.

Music in This Episode

"An Early Sneak" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Taboret" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Calm Meditation, Good Sleep" — Lihn Pham, via Pixabay
"Cozy Jazz Podcast Music with Christmas Bells" — Denis Pavlov, via Pixabay
"Clean Soul" — Kevin MacLeod, via Free Music Archive
"Sparkling Twilight" — Lite Saturation, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Season 10 Announcement, Dickens Fair, etc.

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0800

Just dropping by with a quick hello, now that the season is in full swing. Today, I share an announcement about this season of Christmas Past, as well as share highlights from my annual visit to the Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco. Plus...a surprise guest appearance!

Music in this Episode

"Working Time - Soft Acoustic Guitar" — Dream Protocol, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Lucky's Grove

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0800

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! It's the kickoff to the main season of Christmas Past. What better way to get things going than with a cozy gathering around the fire for some old fashioned storytelling? Today, I'm back with a ghost story for Christmas. In "Lucky's Grove," when a Christmas tree is selected from a mysterious grove, strange and tragic events follow.

Thanks to my friends at Biblioasis for once again giving me the opportunity to share this year's set of ghost stories with you. There's still time to buy hard copies of these beautifully designed editions of classic ghost stories.

Music in This Episode

"The Holly and the Ivy - Celtic Christmas Music" — Nate L, via Pixabay
"Deep Relaxation" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

Connect with Me

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Interview: Vaughn Joy, Author of Selling Out Santa

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0800

In today's episode, Vaughn Joy, Ph.D. joins Christmas Past to discuss how the social and political climate of the mid-20th century shaped the Christmas movies of that era. She's the author of the new book, Selling Out Santa: Hollywood Christmas Films in the Age of McCarthy

Music in this Episode

"Happy Night Christmas Winter Jazz" — Music for Videos, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Interview: Thomas Ruys Smith, author of Searching for Santa Claus

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0800

Today, we welcome back a frequent guest on Christmas Past. Thomas Ruys Smith is a professor of American literature and culture at the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom. He’s also a frequent guest on Christmas Past and the author of several books about Christmas history and literature. His latest is Searching for Santa Claus: An Anthology of the Poems, Stories, and Illustrations that Shaped a Global Icon.

Music in this Episode

"Jazz Christmas Music" — Pulsebox, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Interview: Alonso Duralde, author of Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0800

Today, I'm talking to Alonso Duralde, film critic, podcaster, and author of Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas (2nd Edition).

Music in this episode

"Our Minds Following" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: The Mistress in Black

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Happy Halloween, everyone! 👻🎃 And welcome to the 2025 pre-season for Christmas Past.

For the past several years now, we've kicked off the pre-season with a ghost story from my friends at Biblioasis Publishing. They publish a series of three ghost stories for Christmas every year, beautifully designed and illustrated by the acclaimed artist known only as Seth. Today, I'm narrating Rosemary Temperley's short story, "The Mistress in Black."

Check These Out 🎄

Biblioasis Publishing's Ghost Stories for Christmas
My latest book: Of Christmases Long, Long Ago
More ways to connect with Christmas Past

Music in this Episode 🎼

"Autumn Halloween" — Sound Garage, via Pixabay
"Ambient Background Pad" — Siarhei Korbut via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Christmas 2024 (plus listener memories)

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0800

The big day is here, and so is our final episode of 2024. As we so do every year, we'll take a look back at all the news, trends, sights, and sounds that made this Christmas what it was. We'll also hear some Christmas memories from the Christmas Past family.

Thank you for another wonderful season. I'll see you next year.

Merry Christmas!

Music in this episode

"Jazz Podcast Night Relaxing Vibes" — Denis Pavlov, via Pixabay
"Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Calm Piano Music" — Piotr Witowski, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Wren Day

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0800

The small, unassuming wren may be nothing much to look at, but wait till it starts singing. Its loud, complex songs, and its tendency to sing them throughout winter, has earned it the title of “King of Birds.” But on December 26, the king is dead. Wren Day is a traditional hunting of the wren, followed by celebrations that include disguise, door-to-door visiting and parading, and song. It’s certainly one of our most strange and mysterious Christmas customs, a mixture of Celtic mythology, old Christmas traditions, and revenge for giving away secrets. Tiernan Gaffney from the National Museum of Ireland joins Brian to tell the story.

Special thanks to Lewis Barfoot for permission to include her beautiful rendition of The Wren Song!

Music in this episode

"Calm Lullaby for Irish Harp" — Mountain Dweller, via Pixabay
"Greensleeves" — Julius H., via Pixabay
"Hark! The Herald Angles Sing" — Jon Sayles, via freemusicpublicdomain.com
"Angels We Have Heard" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Morning Air" — Noru, via Pixabay
"The Wren Song" — Lewis Barfoot, shared directly by the artist

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: The Yule Lads

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0800

One by one, over a series of nights during Christmastime in Iceland, the Yule Lads come down from a mountain, making mischief, rewarding good behavior and punishing bad. These lovable scamps are unique melding of folkloric traditions, and a reminder that Christmas once was — and still can be — haunted and scary. Terry Gunnell, professor emeritus of folkloristics at the University of Iceland, joins Brian to tell the story. Thanks also to Baldur Gylfa for appearing in this episode!

Music in this episode

"Momentary Ease" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Relaxing Piano" — Uncredited artists, via Pixabay
"Tiled Chamber" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Ambient Christmas" — Denys Kyshchuk, via Pixabay
"The First Noel" — Calvin Clavier, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Ded Moroz

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0800

Ded Moroz ("Grandfather Frost"), went from folk tale to fairy tale, from beloved symbol of Christmas to exile, and then back to beloved symbol, all in surprisingly short order. It’s a story of ups and downs, set against the backdrop of a violent social and political revolution, and which resulted in a strange stint as the “Soviet Santa Claus.”

Karen Petrone, University of Kentucky history professor and author of Life Has Become More Joyous, Comrades, joins Brian to tell the story.

Clara in Australia shares a Christmas memory in this episode. Check out her podcast, The Festivity Files.

Music in this episode

"Waiting at the Hem" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Reverie - Claude Debussy - Classic Concert Grand Piano" — JuliusH, via Pixabay
"Heartstring Serenade" — Liudmyla Polishchuk, via Pixabay
"Somewhere in my Memory - Xmas Piano" — Calvin Clavier, via Pixabay
"O Come O Come Emmanuel" — Jon Sayles, freemusicpublicdomain.com

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Your Christmas Memories 2024

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0800

Once again it’s time for one of my favorite traditions here on Christmas Past: dedicating an entire episode to you and your Christmas memories! I love these little glimpses into other people’s lives, families, memories, and all the different ways that Christmas can be celebrated and loved and made special and personal. So, get cozy. You’re invited to another Christmas Past family gathering, and trip down memory lane.

Music in this episode

"Cozy Jazz Podcast Music with Christmas Bells" — Denis Pavlov, via Pixabay
"Relaxing Piano / Lofi Music" — John Tramp, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Ivy

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0800

For a long time, ivy conjured images of all things pagan, superstitious, gluttonous, debauched, and morbid. For those reasons, it would be forbidden from churches and Christian homes. Today, it's a classic symbol of Christmas. Sue Hunter joins Brian to tell this uniquely Christmassy turnaround story.

Thank you to composer Sarah Cattley for permission to share the beautiful rendition of "Ivy, Chief of Trees it Is," performed by the Granta Chorale and conducted by Janet Wheeler.

Music in this episode

"The Holly and the Ivy" — Jerome Chauvel, via Pixabay
"God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" — Jon Sayles, via Royalty Free Music
"Christmas Night" — Floating Dreamer, via Pixabay
"Oh Holy Night" — Calvin Clavier, via Pixabay
"Luminous Rain" — Kevin MacLeod, via Youtube Audio Library
"Ivy, Chief of Trees it Is" — Sarah Cattley, used with permission from the composer

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Gremlins

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0800

Forty years ago, audiences got into the Christmas spirit by watching a little green creature get killed in a blender. Gremlins was more than a movie that combined horror, comedy, gory violence, and Christmas. It was a massive a pop culture phenomenon, and one of the last movies of its kind to be rated PG. Alonso Duralde, film critic, podcaster, and author of Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas and Hollywood Pride joins Brian to discuss this iconic 80's hit.

Music in this episode

"Granite Faces" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Hope Piano" — Anastasia Kir, via Pixabay
"Notche" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Movie Theme 1" — Christian Bodhi, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Why is Christmas on December 25?

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0800

If Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus, and we celebrate it on December 25, then Jesus must have been born on that day, right? Not so fast! We actually have no good idea when Jesus was born. And besides, the observance of his birth on December 25 is a 4th century contrivance. But why December 25 of all days? In today's episode, professor and author Michael Foley joins Brian to make sense of it all.

Get a copy of Dr. Foley's book, Why We Kiss Under the Mistletoe.

Music in this episode

"Stress Relief Piano" — PianoAmor, via Pixabay
"It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist
"Neatly Folded" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Oh Christmas Tree" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"First Snow" — Scott Buckley, via scottbuckley.com.au

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: The Original Santa Claus Parade

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0800

Who doesn't love a parade? The very idea of a procession, usually involving costumes and music, is at least 4,000 years old. But grand parades to kick off the Christmas season are much newer. The kind we're most familiar with nowadays developed when large retail chains held parades to stimulate shopping and define a new, earlier start to the Christmas season. All that capitalism sounds very American, but — surprise! — Canada beat us to it!

In today's episode, Clayton Charters, president and CEO of the Original Santa Claus Parade in Toronto, joins Brian.

Watch the playback of the 2024 Santa Claus Parade on Youtube!

Music in this Episode

"Happy Christmas Day" — LudoSoundX, via Pixabay
"I'm Not Feeling Well Today" — u_0tyyfec3hz, via Pixabay
"O Little Town of Bethlehem" — Calvin Clavier, via Pixabay
"Jazz Theme 5" — Erkki Marjasvaara, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: The Magi

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0800

The three kings. The wise men. The magi. They're the supporting cast in many a Nativity scene...the subject of several postage stamps and greeting cards...the subject of that classic Christmas song. Who were they? Where were they from? Why did they traverse afar following yonder star? What was with the gold, frankincense, and myrrh? Were they even real? And does it matter? Today, professor and author Eric Vanden Eykel joins Brian to tell the story of these mysterious figures.

Check out Eric Vanden Eykel's book, The Magi.

Music in this episode

"Beyond the Cranberry House" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
“Drifting Spot” — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"We Three Kings of Orient Are" — United States Air Force Band, via Wikimedia Commons
"Early Morning Snowfall" — Chuck Brown, via Feels Like Christmas
"Nostalgic" — Anastasia Kir, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Rankin/Bass Christmas Specials

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0800

The creative team of Rankin and Bass have produced some of the most enduring, nostalgia-producing Christmas specials in television history. Historian and biographer Rick Goldschmidt joins Brian to tell the story of how an art director and an ad jingle writer became "the kings of Christmas."

Links

Music in this episode

"Kettled" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Soft Piano" — Anastasia Kir, via Pixabay
"O Holy Night (Solo Piano)" — 23843807, via Pixabay
"Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetec

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Toys for Tots

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0800

The more than 75-year success story of Toys for Tots may seem like a fairly simple story: the Marine Corp reserve starts up a holiday charity for needy kids. But there’s more to it than that. From humble, almost accidental beginnings in 1947, the program was able to grow through a unique mix of show business connections, celebrity endorsements, political influence, post World War II America, and...Walt Disney.

Music in this episode

"Lullaby" — Maarten Schellekens, via Free Music Archive
"Toys for Tots" — Nat King Cole, via Toys for Tots Foundation, used with permission
"Feelings of Twilight" — Shady Dave, via Freesound
"Silent Night" — Anastasia Kir, via Pixabay
"Germination" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Eternal Hope" — Kevin MacLeod, via Youtube Audio Library

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Christmas Creep

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0800

A lot of people complain that Christmas comes earlier every year. But, is that really true? Extended holiday shopping seasons have been the norm for well over a century. And besides, there's one big (and spooooky) reason that Christmas can only come so early. Marketing professor Darrin Duber-Smith joins Brian to discuss the phenomenon of "Christmas creep."

Music in this episode

"Silent Movie (Old Record Version)" — Anastasia Kir, via Pixabay
"Deck the Hall Jazz" — Anastasia Kir, via Pixabay
"Ambient Piano" — BlackPy Beats, via Pixabay
"Gentle Soft Piano - Christmas Vibes" — Alex Products, via Free Music Archive
"We Wish You a Merry Christmas" — Dee Yan-Kee, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Danny Pellegrino, Author of The Jolliest Bunch

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0800

Danny Pellegrino is a bestselling author, actor, and screenwriter. His latest book, The Jolliest Bunch: Unhinged Holiday Stories, is a nostalgic trip through his most festive memories in a collection of stories that are heartfelt, hilarious, and — for better or worse — true. I caught up with Danny earlier this year to talk about the book, Christmas, family, and more.

Music in this episode

"Christmas Jazzy Bells" — BFMC Music, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Interview: Actor John Rhys-Davies on Scrooge: A Christmas Carol

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0800

Actor John Rhys-Davies (Lord of the Rings, Indiana Jones) joins Brian to discuss Scrooge, A Christmas Carol. Rhys-Davies plays Dickens's narrator in this four-part audio drama podcast, set for re-release on November 22.

Music in this episode

"O Holy Night" — Calvin Clavier, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

2024 Indie Christmas Music Playlist

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0800

We're in the early Christmas preseason. It's the perfect time to discover some new Christmas music before the radio stations start overplaying the standard set of classics. In this episode, we've got some new-to-you Christmas songs from independent artists you may not have otherwise discovered on your favorite station or streaming service.

Music in this episode

"Cozy Jazz Podcast Music with Christmas Bells" — Denis Pavlov, via Pixabay
"Christmas Cheer" — Robert Lawlor
"Vermont Christmas" — The Predicates
It Doesn't Feel Like Christmas" — Winterval
"The Christmas Song" — Birdie Nichols
"Good King Wenceslas (Slassin' In) — The Staven Wassailers
"HOME" — Lewis Barfoot

Lewis Barfoot's HOME is available on vinyl! Check Bandcamp or her website for more. It's also available at most records stores in Ireland.

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Storytime: "Podolo"

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Happy Halloween, everybody! And more than that: welcome to another season of Christmas Past.

Yes, it’s still Halloween. But that's the perfect time to kick things off, because it gives us a chance to honor the classic Christmas tradition of sharing a ghost story. Our Victorian forebears really loved their ghost stories — for all occasions, but perhaps especially for Christmas. Many magazines of the era published ghost stories specifically for the Christmas season. The stories didn’t necessarily involve Christmas; but they were meant to be enjoyed on Christmas Eve, adding a little extra chill to a cold winter’s night.

Though the tradition has faded, it’s not gone altogether. And that’s thanks in part to my friends at Biblioasis publishing. Every year, they publish a series of classic ghost stories beautifully illustrated by the acclaimed artist known only as Seth. It’s become a yearly tradition here on Christmas Past to start the season off with a story from their current series.

In today's story, when a group of tourists visits the deserted island of Podolo, one wants to rescue a feral cat they find there, and the others reluctantly agree. Unfortunately, the rescue proves more difficult than they expect — and they soon discover they’re not alone on Podolo.

Music in this episode

“Didion” — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Frequency of Sleep Meditation" — Leigh Robinson, via Pixabay
"Endless" — MildRelaxation, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Christmas 2023

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 00:01:00 -0800

It's our eighth consecutive Christmas together. As we close out the 2023 season, we're taking a look back at the news and trends that made this Christmas what it was.

Thank you all for another wonderful Christmas season together.

Merry Christmas! And until we meet again, may your days be merry and bright.

Music in this Episode

"Deck the Halls A" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Boxing Day

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 00:01:00 -0800

Here in America, the day after Christmas is simply that: the day after. The party's over. But in England, it's an official holiday. December 26 — Boxing Day — is the Christmas afterparty you've been missing out on. What's the story? And what does it have to do with boxing? Paul Kerensa joins Christmas Past to...unpack the box.

Mentioned in this Episode

Paul Kerensa
Hark! The Biography of Christmas, by Paul Kerensa

Music in this Episode

"Good King Wenceslas" — U.S. Army Band, via Wikimedia Commons
"Oh Come All Ye Faithful" — DJ Williams, via Youtube Audio Library
"In the Bleak Midwinter" — Julius H., via Pixabay
"Emotional Piano Improvisation" — Alexander Nakarada, via Film Music
"Holiday Gift" — Kai Engel, via Free Music Archive

Section from A Christmas Carol read by Peter John Keeble, courtesy of Librivox

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Your Christmas Memories: 2023, vol 2

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:01:00 -0800

Christmas Day is less than a week from now. In this final stretch of the 2023 season, let's have another gathering of the Christmas Past family. Yes, it’s time once again for an episode dedicated just to you and your Christmas memories. Cozy up by the fire with us for a little Christmas reminiscing.

Music in this Episode

"A Very Brady Special" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: A Meatless Christmas Eve Meal

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:01:00 -0800

For many families, the Christmas Eve feast is a so-called "meatless meal." It's a tradition of European Christian roots that has gone on to take many forms.

Mentioned in this episode

Plating Grace

Music in this Episode

"Italian Trip" — wildsound159, via Pixabay
"God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen," — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist
"First Snow" — Scott Buckley, via ScottBuckley.com.au
"Silent Night" — DJ Williams, via Youtube Audio Library
"Mortality" — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

A Visit to Old Fezziwig's Christmas Eve Ball

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 00:01:00 -0800

Old Fezziwig sure knew how to throw an office Christmas party. Dickens's description of Christmas Eve in Fezziwig's counting house included vigorous fiddling and elaborate dancing. That style of dance may belong to a bygone time, but it lives on in the annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair. In this special episode, Cathleen Myers joins Christmas Past to explain how Victorians danced their way to Christmas.

Mentioned in this Episode

Music in this Episode

"Toe Tapper" — Primal House Music, via Pixabay
"Ambient Grand Piano for Meditation or Background" — Julius H., via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Christmas Postage Stamps

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 07:24:00 -0800

In the late nineteenth century modern postal systems were still coming into their own. Around the turn of the century, many countries, including England, began issuing Christmas themed postage stamps. You might think that America would have been among them, but boy would you be wrong.

In fact, America was one of the last countries to get on board. American Christmas stamps are only a few decades old. And the story there has to do with simple economics and America’s system of government.

Mentioned in this Episode

Christmas Philatelic Club

Music in this Episode

"Christmas Jazz" — Denys Kyshchuk, via Pixabay
"Running Waters" — Audionautix, via Youtube Audio Library
"Noel" — Audionautix, via Youtube Audio Library
"Acoustic Guitar 1" — Audionautix, via Youtube Audio Library
"Dreamland" — Aakash Gandhi, via Youtube Audio Library
"Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Interview: Christopher Knight on The Brady Bunch: The Voice of Christmas

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 00:01:00 -0800

The Brady Bunch is an iconic American sitcom that ran for five seasons. But it produced only one Christmas episode during its original run. "The Voice of Christmas" from season 1 finds Carol with laryngitis days before she's scheduled to sing a solo for her church's Christmas service. The one and only Christopher Knight joins Brian to break this episode down.

Mentioned in this Episode

The Real Brady Bros

Music in this Episode

"A Very Brady Special" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Brady Bunch Image Sound-Alike Music" — Noisepatterns, via SoundCloud
"It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Working Time - Soft Acoustic Guitar" — Dream Protocol, via Pixabay
"Invisible Beauty" — Aakash Gandhi, via Youtube Audio Studio

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Shortbread

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 00:01:00 -0800

For a bread that’s short, its history is long. Exactly how long, and the particulars of how it all came about, though, are unclear. But one this is clear: shortbread is an essential — and delicious — part of the festive season.

Mentioned in this Episode

Tasting History Youtube Channel
Tasting History, book by Max Miller

Music in this Episode

"Hush Ye, My Bairnie" — Trygve Larsen, Pixabay
"Drops of Melting Snow (after Holst, Abroad as I was walking)" — Axletree, via Free Music Archive
"Soft Piano" — Agnese Valmaggia, via Film Music
"Auld Lang Syne" — Trygve Larsen, Pixabay
"Angels We Have Heard on High" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Your Christmas Memories: 2023, vol 1

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 00:01:00 -0800

One of my favorite parts of creating Christmas Past is sharing your Christmas memories. I love the warm connections I’ve had with so many of you over the years, and the glimpses you provide into your Christmases Past. So, today, I’m excited to take a break from the normal action and bring to you an episode dedicated just to you and your Christmas memories.

Music in this Episode

Piano Music No. 5 — RelaxingTime, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Wishbooks

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 00:01:00 -0800

Colorful, glossy, enticing. For generations of children, the annual department store Christmas catalog was a field guide, a treasure map, and the fuel for hearts desires and letters to Santa. And then, one day, they were gone.

Mentioned in this Episode

Wish Book Web

Music in this Episode

"Jingle Bells Relax Piano" — Oleg Kirilkov, via Pixabay
"Merry Christmas Everyone Piano" — 23117649, via Pixabay
"Christmas is for Kids" — Juan Sanchez, via Pixabay
"Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Stollen

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:01:00 -0800

Stollen is a Christmas staple in German homes. This cake/bread hybrid is packed with flavor and shaped to resemble a swaddled baby. Food writer Luisa Weiss joins Christmas Past to explain stollen's special connection to German Christmas and German baking culture.

Mentioned in this Episode

Luisa Weiss
Classic German Baking, by Luisa Weiss

Music in this Episode

"Winter Fairy Dance - Orchestral with Bells and Choir" — Paul Winter, via Pixabay
"Wonderful Christmas Time [Classic Version]" — Frank Schroeter, via Film Music
"Snow Falls Softly at Night" — Frank Schroeter, via Film Music
"Piano Ballad 2" — Reeg'sB, via Film Music
"Magic of Christmas" — Sergei Chetvertnykh, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: The Mari Lwyd

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0800

The mostly warm, fuzzy, cozy, sanitized Christmas is mainly a product of 19th and 20th century American influence. In earlier times, Christmas had a spooky side — one example of which is the Welsh tradition of the ghostly gray mare: the Mari Lwyd.

Mentioned in this Episode

Jeff Belanger
The Fright Before Christmas by Jeff Belanger

Music in this Episode

"John Barleycorn" — Julius H., via Pixabay
"Dread Lake" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Mile Marker 323" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Relaxing Acoustic - Noel" —Oleksii Kaplunskyi, via Pixabay
"Dramatic Uplifting Cinematic Piano" — Yevhen Onoychenko, via Pixabay
Additional sound effects via Freesound

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Christmas Seals

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 00:01:00 -0800

By the turn of the 20th century, tuberculosis was the leading cause of death in America by far. In 1907, when a tuberculosis treatment clinic was in financial straits, Emily Bissell created Christmas Seals as a fundraiser. It was as novel as it was effective. More than a century later, Christmas Seals are still one of the prominent sights of the season.

Mentioned in this Episode

American Lung Association

Music in this Episode

"Autumn Leaves" — Maarten Schellekens, via Free Music Archive
"Piano Reflection 2" — Agnese Valmaggia, via Film Music
"Angels We Have Heard" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Reawakening" — Scott Buckley, Scottbuckley.com
"Ding Dong Merrily on High" — Leigh Robinson, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: The Twelve Days of Christmas

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 00:01:00 -0800

These days, the Christmas season is the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Way back when, it was the period beginning on Christmas Day, and included 12 days of merrymaking and mischief. The Twelve Days of Christmas aren't really part of our modern Christmas celebration — except for the song lyrics and the odd reference here and there.

What are the twelve days of Christmas? And what happened to them? Are we missing out on anything by forgetting them? Well, if feasting, cross dressing, upending social hierarchy, and having a raucous good time sound at all interesting to you, then...yes. Yes we are!

Mentioned in this Episode

Why We Kiss Under the Mistletoe: Christmas Traditions Explained, by Michael Foley

Music in this Episode

"Twelve Days of Christmas" — Inner Splendor, via Feels Like Christmas
"Miracles" — Tom Parkin, via Mega Monkey Music
"Contemplation" — Maarten Schellekens, via Free Music Archive
"Careless Morning" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Always With Me, Always With You" — Daddy S Music, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Elves

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 00:01:00 -0800

The earliest myths involving elves portrayed them as mischievous or even malicious creatures that posed dangers to humans and animals. So, how do we get from there to jolly little Christmas elves? It’s a story that takes us from ancient Ancient Europe to the current day — one that involves mythology, modern American influence, the power of poetry and literature, possibly the rise of industrialization, and definitely...sticking it to the Nazis.

Mentioned in this Episode

Christmas in the Crosshairs, by Gerry Bowler
Santa Claus: A Biography, by Gerry Bowler
The World Encyclopedia of Christmas, by Gerry Bowler

Music in this Episode

"Ivory Pillow" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Ambient Piano" — BlackPy Beats, via Pixabay
"Road in the Forest" — Olexy, via Pixabay
"Christmas Music Box" — Oleg Kirilkov, via Pixabay
"Gentle Soft Piano | Christmas Vibes" — Alex Productions, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Nutcrackers

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 00:01:00 -0800

Decorative nutcrackers — most often resembling a toy soldier, but available in countless other characters — are synonymous with the Christmas season. Why? It’s a story whose origins predate Christmas itself. And whose history involves a mining town, Napoleon, dance theater, and World War two. So...let’s get crackin’!

Mentioned in this Episode

http://www.nutcrackermuseum.com/

Music in this Episode

"Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies" — Kevin MacLeod, via Wikimedia Commons
"March from the Nutcracker" — Trygve Larsen, via Pixabay
"Chinese Dance from the Nutcracker" — Trygve Larsen, via Pixabay
"Arabian Dance from the Nutcracker" — Trygve Larsen, via Pixabay
"Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: The Christmas Sing In Our Village

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 01:00:00 -0800

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Interview: The Christmas Stories of Mary Wilkins Freeman

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0800

Mary E. Wilkins Freeman was a prolific author in the 19th century. Her Christmas stories showed up every year in newspapers and magazines. Professor Thomas Ruys Smith recently published a new collection of Freeman's Christmas stories. Professor Smith joins me today to discuss Freeman, and then Brian narrates "Harriet Anne's Christmas" from the collection.

Mentioned in this Episode

The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman

Music in this Episode

"Family Holiday" — Aleksey Chistilin, via Pixabay
"Piano Music No. 1" — Relaxing Time, via Pixabay
"Relaxing Piano Music" — Kevin Macleod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: The Captain of the Polestar

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0700

As we ease our way into another Christmas season, we're practicing thta somewhat forgotten tradition of telling ghost stories at Christmas time! In 1883, Temple Bar magazine published a story by a writer and physician named Arthur Conan Doyle. Nowadays, we refer to him as sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and we know him best as the creator of that most famous of detectives: Sherlock Holmes. But this 1883 story isn’t about Sherlock. It’s about a ship trapped in arctic ice and the strange things the captain and crew experience. Join Brian for a reading of The Captain of the Polestar.

Mentioned in this Episode

Biblioasis

Music in this Episode

"Dewbound" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Ethereal Relaxation" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Christmas 2022

Sun, 25 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0800

Join Christmas Past one last time in the 2022 season. It's our annual look back at the sights, sounds, news, and trends that made Christmas of 2022 what it was.

Merry Christmas to all, and many thanks for being part of the 2022 season of Christmas Past.

Music in This Episode

"This Christmas" — Hot Music, via Pixabay
"Deck the Halls A" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Silent Night" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

Buy the Christmas Past Book!

Order your copy today. And remember...it makes a great gift!

Share a Christmas memory

Be on the podcast! Just record a voice memo into your phone and send it to christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com. Keep it reasonably short, clean and family friendly, and be sure to say your name and where you're from.

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Pfeffernusse

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0800

They're the spiced cookie with the funny sounding (to American ears) name. Pfeffernusse — or, "pepper nuts" in English — contain neither pepper nor nuts. And for centuries, the original recipe has been a closely guarded secret. Baker and podcaster Glen Warren joins me in this episode.

Mentioned in This Episode

Seasons Eatings Podcast

Music in This Episode

"The Poplar Grove" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Midvinter" — Scott Buckley, via scottbuckley.com.au
"Felix Mendelssohn: Songs Without Words" Vassily Primakov, via Free Music Archive
"The First Noel - Silent Night" — Ralph Rousseau Meulenbroeks, via Magnatune Compilation
"Piano Moment" — Zakhar Valaha Music, via Pixabay
"Jingle Bells" — Scott Holmes Music, via Free Music Archive

Buy the Christmas Past Book!

Order your copy today. And remember...it makes a great gift!

Share a Christmas memory

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Christmas Popcorn Tins

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0800

Those decorative tins filled with three kinds of popcorn have been a Christmas staple for decades. But...why? In this episode, we find out — by asking the guy responsible for the whole thing!

Music in This Episode

"Blue Latex" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Hark the Herald Angels Sing" — Ahmadmusic, via Pixabay
"Sticktop" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Jul" — Scott Buckley, via scottbuckley.com.au
"Tiled Chamber" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Jingle Bells" — Scott Holmes Music, via Free Music Archive

Buy the Christmas Past Book!

Order your copy today. And remember...it makes a great gift!

Share a Christmas memory

Keep in touch

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Panettone

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0800

It's fluffy, sweet, and studded with raisins and candied fruit peel. It's the Italian Christmas cake known as Panettone. Get ready to talk with your hands, along with me and Max Miller of Tasting History as we dig in.

Mentioned in This Episode

Tasting History

Music in This Episode

"Bushwick Tarantella" — Kevin MacLeod, via Youtube Audio Library
"Saloon Piano - Ragtime Retro Vintage Jazz Comedy Music" — FreeGroove, via Pixabay
"We Three Kings" — James Edwards, via Magnatune Compilation
"PianoCello" — Reverie Now, via Pixabay
"Pop Vibration" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Good King Wenceslas" — Richard Irwin, via Hymns Without Words
"Jingle Bells" — Scott Holmes Music, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Your Christmas Memories, 2022

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0800

Cozy up with the Christmas Past family for some reminiscing! It's one of our favorite annual traditions...where I turn things over to you and let you guide my sleigh tonight on a trip down memory lane!

Music in this episode

"Instrument 12092021" — orangiromusik, via Pixabay
"This Christmas" — Hot Music, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Classic American Christmas Music

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0800

Most of the classic American Christmas songs come from the 1940s. What was it about that decade that accounts for an explosion of Christmas music that's stood the test of time? What is it about those songs that sounds so Christmassy? And why are Christmas classics so few and far between in recent generations? Join me and Berklee College of Music professor Chris North to dive in!

Music in This Episode

"Sleigh Ride" — Marcus Staab, via Musopen
"Home for the Holidays" — Track Tribe, via Youtube Audio Library
"Christmas Jazz" — Audio Coffee, via Pixabay
"171221 - jazz style piano / day / happy / love / life" — WELC0MEИ0, via Pixabay
"Christmas Magic Night" — Lesfm, via Pixabay
"Night Jazz" — Music for Videos, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: It Came Upon The Midnight Clear

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0800

Strictly speaking, a Christmas carol is a song that tells the Nativity story. That's what made Edmund Sears's song, "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" so unusual when he wrote it. It didn't tell the story of Jesus's birth; it told the story of how people reacted to the news. This "humanist carol" arrived at a time when music itself was in the midst of some major changes.

Music in This Episode

"Nocturne in E flat major, Op. 9 no. 2" — Aya Higuchi, via Musopen
"It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" — Kevin MacLeod, via Youtube Audio Library
"Lullaby for a King" — Cathy Oakes, via Feels Like Christmas
"Endless by PrabajithK"—Mild Relaxation, via Pixabay
"Night Jazz" — Music for Videos, via Pixabay
Piano samples from "Carol" and "Noel" generously played by Carrie from the Christmas Past family!

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Christmas Crackers

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0800

They're the festive party favors containing a paper crown, a trinket, and a joke — and wrapped in a package that goes "bang" when you open it! Christmas Crackers are an invention of the Victorian age. And more specifically, one confectioner named Tom Smith. Smith single handedly created a tradition that has endured for generations.

Mentioned in This Episode

Peter Kimpton's Website
Tom Smith's Christmas Crackers — Book by Peter Kimpton

Music in This Episode

"The Kishner Method" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Forget" — Lesfm, via Pixabay
"God Rest You Merry Gentlemen Christmas Piano Background Music" — Lesfm, via Pixabay
"Sedative" — Lesfm, via Pixabay
"Stress Relief Piano" — PianoAmor, via Pixabay
"Night Jazz" — Music for Videos, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Father Christmas

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0800

"Father Christmas"...that's what they call Santa Claus in England, right? Well, sort of, but there's more to it than that. Join me and guest professor Gerry Bowler to look into the origins of this often misunderstood Christmas character.

Music in This Episode

"A Peaceful Winter" — Scott Holmes, via Free Music Archive
"Sentimental Light Hopeful Tender Piano" — Ashot-Danielyan-Composer, via Pixabay
"Classical Piano And Cello" — Ashot-Danielyan-Composer, via Pixabay
"Romanesca" — Cheryl Ann Fulton, via Magnatune Compilation
"I Saw Three Ships" — James Edwards, via Magnatune Compilation
"Modern Christmas Full no Santa" —Muzaproduction, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Pantomime

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0800

It's the theater experience that's as rollicking and raucous as it is festive! And it's also mostly unknown to American audiences. Join Brian in this episode to hear all about the British tradition of Pantomime.

Mentioned in This Episode

Music in This Episode

"Vaquero Perdido" — The Mini Vandals, via Youtube Audio Library
"Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Dona Norem" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Twinkle Like a Star" — Monday Hopes, via Pixabay
"Ding Dong Merrily on High" — Steve's Bedroom Band, via Musopen
"Snowflakes - Winter & Christmas Swing Music" — Julius H, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0800

Since the early 1930s, Rockefeller Center has been home to an enormous Christmas tree, elaborately decorated and introduced each season with great fanfare and spectacle. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has become America's Christmas tree. Christine Roussel, the official Archivist of Rockefeller Center, joins Brian to tell the tale of this iconic institution.

Music in This Episode

"The Broker" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Angels We Have Heard on High - Hark The Herald Angels Sing" — James Edwards, via Magnatune Compilation
"Glow"— Scott Buckley, via scottbuckley.com.au
"A Jazz Piano" — Music for Videos, via Pixabay
"Owl's Christmas" — Owl Glance, via Pixabay
"Jingle Bells Violin (Main)" — Daddy's Music, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Aluminum Christmas Trees

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0800

They were a symbol of the Space Age and then, quickly, they were a relic of the past. Aluminum Christmas trees burst onto the Christmas scene in the late 1950s and reached peak popularity during the 60s. And then...they were gone. But a new generation is discovering the kitschy, retro charm of this uniquely American invention.

Mentioned in This Episode

The Evergleam Book, by Theron Georges

Theron Georges's Aluminum Christmas Tree displays

Music in This Episode

"Dunder" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Acoustic Motivation" — Coma Media, via Pixabay
"O Christmas Tree - O Tannenbaum - Piano Christmas Carol" — JuliusH, via Pixabay
"Silent Night" — Zakhar Valaha Music, via Pixabay
“Shades of Spring” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"This Christmas" — Hot Music, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Christmas Trees

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0800

It's the universal symbol of the Christmas season: a tree (typically a fir) adorned with ornaments and lights. But...what does any of that have to do with Christmas? The Christmas tree has a long history. But only fairly recently has it become especially common in homes at Christmas time.

Music in this episode

"Eternal Hope" — Kevin MacLeod, via Youtube Audio Library
"O Christmas Tree - Ernst Anshutz Christmas Piano Music" — Lesfm, via Pixabay
"March" — Kai Engel, via Free Music Archive
"Ambient Piano" — Balance Bay, via Pixabay
"Greensleeves" — Lesfm, via Lesfm.net
"Christmas Atmosphere" — Lesfm, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

2022 Season Kickoff from the Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0800

We're officially kicking off the 2022 season of Christmas Past with a Thanksgiving family gathering, a return to a beloved Bay Area tradition, and a visit to the Cratchit family in London. Cozy up by the fire and welcome the festive season with the entire Christmas Past family.

Many thanks to Denise Lamott, Therese Porter, Kevin Patterson, and everyone at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair for making this episode possible.

Music in this episode

"The Winter Fall by PrabajithK" — Mild Relaxation, via Pixabay

"Relaxing Piano Music" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

"Peace and Comfort" — Dee Yan-Key, via Free Music Archive

"This Christmas" — Hot Music, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

2022 Indie Christmas Music Playlist

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0800

Yes, we return to our traditional favorite songs each year. But there's nothing like discovering a new favorite! If you believe that too, then you're in for a treat! Here are seven Christmas songs from independent musicians to make your days a little merrier and brighter sounding.

Music in this Episode

"Dreaming 'Bout Christmas" — Frank and Friends
"Lonely December" — Lunar Spirit
"Ugly Sweater Time" — The Sweaterettes
"Christmas Lights Through Car Windows" — Amanda Fagan
"Christmas Carols" — The Predicates
"Joy to the World" — Amanda Opelt
"Silent Night" — Sounds and Scapes
"Deck the Halls B" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Two Truths and a Lie: Four Decades

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0800

It's an annual tradition on Christmas Past: The game of Christmas trivia where you have to spot the lie! Join Todd Killian from Christmas Clatter and I as we quiz listeners Ashley and Laura about Christmas in the 1940s, 50s, 60s, and 70s. Play along and put your Christmas spirit and lie detection skills to the test!

Music in This Episode

"This Christmas" — Hot Music, via Pixabay
"Turning" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Interview: Tru-Tone Founder, David Andora

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 18:42:00 -0800

Those of a certain age remember those classic C7 incandescent Christmas bulbs and the soft glow they produced. Sure, LEDs are longer lasting and more energy efficient, but they're just not the same. Michigan artist David Andora is the founder of Tru-Tone, a maker of LED lights that are indistinguishable from the real thing. I recently spoke with David about the company's unlikely origins, its recent viral success, and a certain music star who was blamed for cleaning out their inventory.

Mentioned in This Episode

Music in This Episode

"This Christmas" — Hot Music, via Pixabay
"We Wish You a Merry Christmas" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Interview: Emily Zarka, host of PBS's Monstrum

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Happy Halloween, sugarplums! What better way to get into the spooky Christmas spirit than discussing Christmas monsters? Better yet, I'm doing it with a monster expert! Emily Zarka ("Dr. Z") is a professor of English Literature, and the host of the acclaimed PBS series, Monstrum and Exhumed. Join me (if you daaaaare) for an informative discussion about Krampus and the Yule Cat.

Mentioned in This Episode

Monstrum: https://www.pbs.org/show/monstrum/
Exhumed: https://www.pbs.org/video/exhumed-a-history-of-zombies-ovvtqc/
The Yule Cat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfWUorR8D60
Krampus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuSrajd9D8k

Music in This Episode

"Creepy Music Box" — SoundGalleryByDmitryTaras, via Pixabay
"This Christmas" — Hot Music, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Christmas Eve on a Haunted Hulk

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0700

In today's story, our hero finds himself stranded on Christmas Eve, alone in an abandoned ship. But is he really alone? It's "Christmas Eve on a Haunted Hulk," published by Biblioasis, and illustrated by the acclaimed cartoonist, Seth.

Mentioned in This Episode

http://biblioasis.com/product-category/fiction/seths-christmas-ghost-stories/

Music in This Episode

"This Christmas" — Hot Music, via Pixabay
"ghost" — nojisuma, via Pixabay
"Elf Meditation" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: The Corner Shop

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Time for another ghost story! This one is more sentimental than spooky. It's The Corner Shop, in which a man buys a trinket in a curio shop that turns out to be worth a lot more than he bargained for. It's part of this year's series of ghost stories for Christmas from my friends at Biblioasis.

Mentioned in This Episode

http://biblioasis.com/product-category/fiction/seths-christmas-ghost-stories/

Music in This Episode

Christmas Story — Lesfm, via Pixabay
Mystery 70 MIX — Stock Studio, via Pixabay
Endless by PrabajithK — Mild Relaxation, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: The Dead and the Countess

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 09:03:00 -0700

It's story time once again. Snuggle up, but beware of things that go bump in the night! Today, we're taking a trip of the imagination to a cemetery in France. The dead there are resting peacefully, until a new railway wakes them up! An old priest tries to help them return to rest while he helps the soul of a recently dead countess to find peace. It's Gertrude Atherton's "The Dead and the Countess."

This story is part of Biblioasis's 2022 set of Ghost Stories for Christmas, designed and decorated by the acclaimed cartoonist known only as Seth.

Mentioned in This Episode

Biblioasis Ghost Stories for Christmas: 2022 Edition

Music in This Episode

"Christmas Day" — Alex MakeMusic, via Pixabay
"Creepy Music Box" — SoundGalleryByDmitryTaras, via Pixabay
"Frequency of Sleep Meditation" — Nature's Eye, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Mr. Dog's Christmas at the Hollow Tree Inn

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Christmas Past is back with the first episode of 2022. We're kicking off the preseason with some good old fashioned story time! This one's for the whole family, so gather round and cozy up...we're heading to the Hollow Tree in for some old fashioned Christmas fun!

Buy the Christmas Past Book!

The Christmas Past book is available for pre-order today, and releases on November 1. Get it in hardcover, e-book, or audio. And remember...it makes a great gift!

Mentioned in This Episode

https://mrdogschristmas.com/

Music in This Episode

"Relaxing Music" — Relaxing Time, via Pixabay
"Morning Light" — Lesfm, via Pixabay

Share a Christmas memory on the podcast! Just record a voice memo into your phone and send it to christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com. Keep it reasonably short, clean and family friendly, and be sure to say your name and where you're from.

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Christmas 2021

Sat, 25 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0800

Merry Christmas, everyone! The big day has arrived. And it's time for our sixth annual Christmas year in review. We'll recall all the sights, sounds, news, and trends that made this Christmas unique. Plus, I'll review my own Christmas season, and talk about what's to come in 2022.

Thank you to everyone who took part in the season, by listening, sharing memories, leaving reviews, participating in the Facebook group, and reaching out to say hi.

A very Merry Christmas to all of you, and a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year!

Thank you to The Great Dickens Christmas Fair for inviting me back to check out its drive-through event, and capturing some audio.

Music in this episode

"Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Christmas Eve, Christmas Memories 2021

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0800

It's Christmas Eve! No matter how you celebrate, or where you celebrate, or who you call family, I hope you’re feeling the Christmas spirit right about now. And I, as well as several members of the Christmas Past family, are here to deliver just a little bit more of it.

Be sure to follow the Tree Twins on Instagram!

Music in this episode

"Stille Nacht" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist
"It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"I'll Stay" — Peder B. Helland, via Soothing Relaxation
"Deck the Halls A" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Silent Night" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Your Christmas Memories: 2021, vol 2

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0800

It's Christmas Eve Eve Eve! The big day is almost here. Friends and loved ones are starting to gather and prepare, ready to add a new chapter to their Christmas story, and to reminisce about Christmasses past. And today, so are we…as the Christmas Past family. It’s another episode all about you. About sharing your stories and memories, your traditions and love of our favorite holiday!

Marv from the UK shares a memory in this episode. Check out his podcast, Pods Like Us. Thanks to him and everyone else who shared a memory in this episode!

Music in this episode

"Away in a Manger" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist
"I Saw Three Ships" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist
"God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist
"The First Noel" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist
"The Little Drummer Boy" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist
"The Little Drummer Boy" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist
"O Holy Night" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist
"Hark the Herald Angels Sing" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist
"It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Xmas

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0800

Christmas is often abbreviate as Xmas, but why? Why does X make a suitable abbreviation, and why does Christmas need abbreviating at all? To find the answers, we'll have to go back to the earliest days of Christianity, and and explore the world of symbology and word origins.

Thank you to Mignon Fogarty, from Grammar Girl for joining me in this episode!

Music in this episode

"Golden Hour" — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive
"Prelude No. 11" — Chris Zabrieski, via Free Music Archive
"Silent Night" — ZakharValaha, via Pixabay
"Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Trivia Double Header: Sheperdy

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0800

Welcome back for the second consecutive day of Christmas trivia! It's the conclusion of our special double header. Join us today when Rachel plays quizmaster to Brian in a game of "Sheperdy." We're in the final countdown to Christmas of 2021, but rest assured: there's much more Christmas cheer on tap between now and the big day!

Music in this episode

"Turning" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Trivia Double Header: Two Truths and a Lie: 1970s

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0800

In a first here on Christmas Past, we're doing a double header of Christmas trivia. Join me today and tomorrow for back-to-back episodes where you put your Christmas spirit to the test. Today, the name of the game is "Two Truths and a Lie," where your deception detection skills are just as important as your knowledge of Christmas history. All questions in today's game are related to the 1970s. Tomorrow, come back for Sheperdy, a Jeopardy inspired Christmas trivia game. Today and tomorrow, I'll be playing with Rachel in New York!

Music in this episode

"Inspiring Cinematic Uplifting Piano" — ZakharValaha, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Figgy Pudding

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0800

Victorian carolers wouldn't go until they got some. But many Americans wouldn't know one if they saw one. The figgy pudding (or plum pudding or Christmas pudding) has been with us for many centuries, and in many forms. How did a Medieval savory soup become a fruity, boozy and exclusively Christmassy dessert?

Glen Warren from the Seasons Eatings podcast joins Brian in this episode.

Mentioned in this episode

Seasons Eatings:

The Village Carolers:

Music in this episode

"We Wish You a Merry Christmas" — As performed by the Village Carolers, used with permission from the artists
"Invisible Beauty" — Aakash Gandhi, via YouTube Audio Library
"Just Stay" — Aakash Gandhi, via YouTube Audio Library
"It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

The clip from A Christmas Carol came from a Librivox recording, narrated by Elizabeth Klett.

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: The Christmas Fairy

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0800

When this episode arrives, there will be only 10 days remaining until Christmas of 2021. It's a good point in the season to take a breather and snuggle up with a story from the world of classic Christmas fiction. Today, I'm reading The Christmas Fairy, an 1878 story by John Strange Winter. It’s a story for the whole family, about a schoolboy whose plans for Christmas take an unexpected turn.

Music in this episode

"Relaxing Piano Music" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Holiday is Coming" — Lesfm, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Christmas Charity

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0800

Christmas and charity are as natural a pairing as you might imagine. But the long history of charity at Christmas time has a few things worth exploring. For example, who has historically done the charitable giving, and why. And how the Victorians generally, and Charles Dickens specifically, laid the foundation for the modern form of Christmas charity that we know today.

Thank you to Martin Johns, professor of history at Swansea University in Wales, and author of Christmas and the British: A Modern History, for appearing on this episode.

Music in this episode

"The Little Match Girl" — Maarten Schellekens, via Free Music Archive
"Swirling Snowflakes - Part 1" — Maarten Schellekens, via Free Music Archive
"Lullaby" — Maarten Schellekens, via Free Music Archive
"The Silent Grove" — Axletree, via Free Music Archive
"Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Oh Holy Night" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Chestnuts

Sat, 11 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0800

In 1945, when songwriter Bob Wells first penned the line "chestnuts roasting on an open fire..." chestnuts were as much a part of the Christmas season as eggnog and gingerbread. And then, just a few years after Nat King Cole recorded his iconic version of that song...they weren't. What happened? It's one of the few examples from recent history of a Christmas tradition dying out — literally — in a single generation. Is it lost forever? Or are we poised for a roasty toasty Christmas comeback story?

Thank you to Sarah Fitzsimmons, director of restoration with the American Chestnut Foundation, for appearing in this episode.

Music in this episode

"Home for the Holidays" — Chris Haugen, via Youtube Audio Library
"Feelings of Twilight" — Shady Dave, via Freesound
"Angles We Have Heard" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Fresh Fallen Snow" — Chris Haugen, via Free Music Archive
"The Christmas Song" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Your Christmas Memories: 2021, vol 1

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0800

It's our first family gathering of the season...the kind dedicated to members of the Christmas Past family and their Christmas memories. Pour the hot chocolate and snuggle up by the tree! It's time for a trip down memory lane.

Music in this episode

"Just Stay" — Aakash Gandhi, via Youtube Audio Library
"Frozen in Love" — Aakash Gandhi, via Youtube Audio Library
"Waterfall" — Aakash Gandhi, via Youtube Audio Library
"Arms of Heaven" — Aakash Gandhi, via Youtube Audio Library
"Falling Snow" — Aakash Gandhi, via Youtube Audio Library

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: The Cinnamon Bear

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0800

In 1937, radio audiences were introduced to The Cinnamon Bear, a magical twenty-six-part Christmas miniseries. Twins Judy and Jimmy search through the enchanted world of Maybeland for their lost Christmas ornament with the help of a talking bear.

The series delighted audiences for many seasons before falling out of the mainstream. But a new audience is discovering the program in the Internet age.

Thank you to Jack French from the Metropolitan Washington Old Time Radio Club for appearing on this episode.

For more info about The Cinnamon Bear

Music in this episode

"It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" — various, via NuBeat Music
"Stille Nacht" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist
"Heliotrope" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Festival of the Elves

Sun, 05 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0800

Today is an episode for the whole family! A Christmas story about two elves who decide to bring their special month-long celebration to humans. I'll narrate Festive of the Elves, a 2020 book, as told by Holly Figgyworth. After the reading, I speak with Angeli Elliott about the origins of the story, and how families can bring a little elfin magic to their own Christmas!

Visit www.festivaloftheelves.com to find out more about the book, and to register for Elf Notes. And find Festival of the Elves on Instagram and Facebook

Music in this episode

"Cinematic Fairy Tale Story" — ZakharValaha, via Pixabay
"In the Bleak Midwinter" — Julius H, via Pixabay
"The Dream Song of Olaf Asteson" — Julius H, via Pixabay
"In Dulci Jubilo" — Julius H, via Pixabay
"Ambient and Soothing Piano Chill Out Music in D-Major for Relaxation" — Julius H, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Ugly Christmas Sweaters

Sat, 04 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0800

Christmas and sweaters naturally go together. But how did the idea of a festive holiday sweater become the multimillion dollar industry of recent decades? Is the gawdy, ironic, edgy humored Christmas sweater a passing fad, or are we at the start of something enduring? Today on Christmas Past: The "ugly" Christmas sweater!

Thank you to Evan Mendelsohn from Tipsy Elves for joining me. And thanks to my mom, making her third appearance here on Christmas Past!

Music in this episode

"Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Holiday 2" — Dave Depper, via Needledrop
"We Wish You a Merry Christmas" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist
"Crinoline Dreams" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Bellow's Hull" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Gentle Marimbas" — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Interview: Megan Alexander, host of Small Town Christmas on UPtv

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0800

All the different landscapes and climates and cultures in America make for a seemingly endless number of settings for celebrating our favorite holiday. And one kind of setting in particular has earned a special place in American Christmas culture and lore: the small town. That homey, local Christmas spirit is the topic of Small Town Christmas, the new series on UPtv. Series creator and host Megan Alexander joins Brian to discuss. Plus, Brian shares a small town Christmas memory of his own!

Music in this episode

"In the Bleak Mindwinter" — Julius H, via Pixabay
"Owl's Christmas" — Owl Glance, via Pixabay
"Holy Night" — Tomomi Kato, via Pixabay
"Christmas Day" — Alex MakeMusic, via Pixabay

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: A Charlie Brown Christmas

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0800

A Charlie Brown Christmas became one of the most successful Christmas television specials ever. But the odds were stacked against it in 1965. Written and produced under a crazy deadline, the network executives were sure it would flop like a Charlie Brown Christmas tree. But of course, things turned out differently.

This episode includes an interview with Benjamin Clark, curator of the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, CA.

Music in this episode

"Nouvelle Noel" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Shades of Spring" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Covert Affair" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Christmas Past Presents: Christmas on Henry Street

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0800

What happens when a Christmas tree from a secret admirer comes between a young woman and her fiance in New York in 1902? That's the subject of the new Christmas audio drama from Sagacity Productions: "Christmas on Henry Street." This one-hour program, based on real events, will air on several NPR affiliate stations in December. Christmas Past is pleased to share it with you in this special full-length presentation.

For more information about "Christmas on Henry Street"

https://www.sagacitytv.com/

Thank you to Bonnie Silva and everyone at Sagacity Productions for creating this program, and for sharing it with the Christmas Past family.

Music in this Episode

"It Came Upon The Midnight Clear" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Jingle Bells

Sun, 28 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0800

The song now known as "Jingle Bells" is synonymous with Christmas, even though it never mentions Christmas by name. There's much more to the story of this beloved song than you ever could have imagined. Tracing its history will take us through Boston minstrel halls, "sleigh ride culture," and a feud between two American towns that each claim to be the song's birthplace.

This episode features Kyna Hamill from Boston University and the Medford Historical Society.

Music in this episode

"Jingle Bells" — The Edison Male Quartet, via Internet Archive
"Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells" — Vernon Geyer, via Internet Archive
"Jingle Bells Calm" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Atmospheric Jingle Bells" — Royalty Free Music, via SoundCloud

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: The Doll's Ghost, by F. Marion Crawford

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0800

There's nothing like curling up with an old fashioned ghost story on a chilly evening during the Christmas season. This one's more ghostly than Christmassy, but it first appeared in a Christmas supplement to the Illustrated London Times. It's The Doll's Ghost, by F. Marion Crawford. And today, I'm reading it to you from the 2021 collection of Seth's Christmas Ghost Stories from from Biblioasis.

Music in this episode

"Sal's Piano Solo" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Planet Earth" — Peter D. Helland, via Soothing Relaxation

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: TV Christmas romance movies

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0800

Get ready for small town Christmases and hometown hunks! Today, we're looking at made-for-TV Christmas romances, and exploring how and why they've become the dominant form of Christmas entertainment in recent decades. Brandon Gray and Alonso Duralde, co-authors of I'll Be Home for Christmas Movies, help us make sense of it all.

Mentioned in this episode

I'll be Home for Christmas Movies: Amazon, Barnes and Noble

Music in this episode

"Hardwood Lullaby" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Snowy Afternoon" — Borrtex, via Free Music Archive
"Green Fields" — Scott Holmes, via Free Music Archive
"Oh Christmas Tree" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Interview: Brandon Gray, co-author of I'll Be Home For Christmas Movies

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Now that Halloween is behind us, it's officially Christmastime! Time for a mug of cocoa, some foofy jammies, and the Hallmark Channel. Today, Brandon Gray, co-host of Deck the Hallmark, recalls some of the best, worst, and most romantic ones reviewed in his new book, I'll Be Home For Christmas Movies.

Get the book on Amazon

Music in this episode: "This is Christmas" — Scott Holmes, via Free Music Archive

Be sure to check out the "Definitive Directory of Christmas Podcasts"

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Christmas Past Presents: The Midnight Carols: Chapter 1

Sun, 31 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Happy Halloween, everybody! Christmas and Halloween go together perfectly because they have something very special in common: a tradition of telling ghost stories. Today, I'm pleased to introduce you to an all new Christmas ghost story audio drama series, The Midnight Carols. Follow along as a group of Oxford students tell ghost stories on Christmas Eve to gain entry into the mysterious secret society, the Venerable Order of Saint Nicholas of Myra.

The Midnight Carols is available on all major podcast platforms starting today. You can find more information on their Facebook page, and also on creator Vincent Robert-Nicoud's Website.

Share a Christmas memory on the podcast!

Just record a voice memo into your phone and send it to christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com. Keep it reasonably short, clean and family friendly, and be sure to say your name and where you're from.

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Music in this episode

"A Little Powder" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Christmas Past Presents: The Professor and the Tilted Glass

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 09:26:59 -0700

Just in time for Halloween, it's another Christmas ghost story — sorta. This story does involve Christmas, and it does involve a ghost, but it's unlike anything you've ever heard before here on Christmas Past.

This is a 2017 episode from my other — now-defunct — podcast, Illusion. I thought you might like it.

Stay subscribed all season long, and stay connected!

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Facebook page
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Send your Christmas memories to appear in an episode this season. Record yourself into your phone's voice memo app, and sent it to the email address above.

Music in this episode

"June" — Kai Engel, via Free Music Archive
"Calmant" — Kevin MacLeod, via
Free Music Archive
"Snowfall" — Shady Dave, via Freesound
"Meditation Impromptu 03" — Kevin MacLeod, via Free Music Archive
"Hark! The Herald Angles Sing" — via NuBeat Music

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: The Wicked Editor's Christmas Dream

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 21:49:37 -0700

It's almost Halloween, so how about a ghost story? Well, this one won't exactly send a shiver down your spine, but maybe it'll get you into the spirit...or at least pass the time on a cool autumn evening. It's the 1893 story, the Wicked Editor's Christmas Dream.

Music in this episode

"Angel's Dream" — Aakash Ghandi, via YouTube Audio Library

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Playlist: A festive five pack of Christmas tracks from indie artists

Sun, 10 Oct 2021 09:57:02 -0700

Now that it's October, a lot of us are listening to Christmas music to ease our way into the season. Sure, the classics are great, but sometimes you need to hear something new to keep things fresh. In today's episode, you'll hear five new-to-you Christmas songs from some great independent artists!

Songs featured in this episode

Chrissy Blazier

Dotcom Davinci

The Yule Lads

Montgomery

GRAZE

Other music in this episode

"The Christmas Song" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Interview: Thomas Ruys Smith on the Christmas Stories of 19th Century America

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 21:24:31 -0700

The Christmas stories of 19th century America provide a window into American history itself. These stories reflect the values and politics of pre- and post-Civil-War America, in addition to chronicling the makings of our modern Christmas celebration.

That's the topic of the new book, Christmas Past: An Anthology of Seasonal Stories from Nineteenth-Century America. The author, professor Thomas Ruys Smith from the University of East Anglia, joins me in this episode for a Christmassy literary tour through a century — with many surprises along the way.

This is our final episode of September. One Ber Month down, three to go! Stay subscribed for more Ber Month fun leading up to the "official" Christmas Past season, starting on Thanksgiving Day.

Share your Christmas memories on the podcast! Record a voice memo into your phone and send it to christmaspastpodcast at g mail dot com

Music in this episode

"Allie Mine" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Roundtable: Two Truths and a Lie, 80s edition with Todd Killian and Gerry Davilla

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 08:47:49 -0700

Today, we're returning to an old crowd favorite: the game where you have to spot the lie! Test your Christmas spirit, deception detection, and knowledge of the 80s with this all new Ber Months bonus episode.

Join me, along with Todd Killian from Christmas Clatter and Gerry Davilla from Totally Rad Christmas for a game of two truths and a lie. This game has a special twist. Its a three-round game, taking place on three different podcasts! On Christmas Past, you'll hear round one, where yours truly quizzes Todd and Gerry on Christmas of 1980 - 1983.

Stay subscribed for more Christmas fun throughout the Ber Months, and into the Christmas season.

Music in this episode

"A Peaceful Winter" — Scott Holmes, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: The Burglar's Christmas

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 10:33:43 -0700

Brian reads the 1896 short story, The Burglar's Christmas, by Willa Cather.

Welcome to another Ber Months bonus episode, sugarplums! I love these classic Christmas stories to help me get into the spirit. Today's story is bit of a 'prodigal son' story that takes place on Christmas Eve.

tay subscribed for more fun and surprises throughout September and October, and beyond.

It's never too early to send a Christmas memory to appear on the show this year. The earlier the better, actually! Record a voice memo into your phone and send it to christmaspastpodcast [at] g mail

Music in this episode

"On Top of itTAL" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

History Lesson: The Eggnog Riot

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 09:16:01 -0700

It's one of the strangest cases from the pages of American Military history. A Christmas party in 1826 at the United States Military Academy at Westpoint that spun out of control, and would be known forevermore as the Eggnog Riot.

Welcome to the Ber Months, everyone! Christmas Past is back to bring some Christmas cheer to the early fall, as we ramp up to the official Christmas season. Stay subscribed for more fun and surprises throughout September and October, and beyond.

It's never too early to send a Christmas memory to appear on the show this year. The earlier the better, actually! Record a voice memo into your phone and send it to christmaspastpodcast [at] g mail

Music in this episode

"Just Stay" — Aakash Ghandi, via Youtube Audio Library
"Almost in F - Tranquility" — Kevin MacLeod, via Youtube Audio Library
"Springtime" — Gillicuddy, via Free Music Archive
"Three Little Drummers from the George Washington Show" — The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, via Free Music Archive

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Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Interview: Geoff LeBaron, director of the annual Christmas Bird Count

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 21:39:58 -0800

In 1900, an ornithologist suggested replacing the traditional Christmas morning hunt with a "bird census." It's an idea that has been carried out each year since then. The Christmas Bird Count is an important project that contributes to our understanding of bird populations. And you can get involved!

Links

Join the Christmas Bird Count page

Music in this Episode

Cottonwoods — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
Labranche — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
Cast and Favor — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Interview: Julia Georgallis, author of How to Eat Your Christmas Tree

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 16:40:07 -0800

Christmas trees are for decorating, admiring, and placing decoratively wrapped gifts underneath. But how about...for eating? Baker and designer Julia Georgalis joins me in this episode to discuss her new book, How to Eat Your Christmas Tree. It's the result of a five-year culinary experiment centered around sustainability at Christmas time.

Mentioned in this episode

Music in this episode

Jingle Bells Calm — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
Wish Background — Kevin MacLeod via Incompetech
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear — Kevin MacLeod via Incompetech

Be sure to check out the "Definitive Directory of Christmas Podcasts"

Mentioned in this episode

Music in this episode

Jingle Bells Calm — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
Wish Background

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Christmas 2020

Fri, 25 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0800

Merry Christmas! The big day is here, and that means it's time for Christmas Past's annual "Christmas in Review" episode. We'll take a look back at Christmas of 2020 to review the trends and headlines that made this Christmas uniquely its own. After all, starting tomorrow, Christmas of 2020 belongs to Christmas past.

Does anything from this year have the makings of a lasting tradition? Only time will tell.

Wishing you and your loved ones all the warmth and magic of the season. Merry Christmas, and happy new year.

Music in this episode

Silent Night — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
Deck the Halls A — Kevin MacLeod via Incompetech
O Holy Night — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Your Christmas Memories: 2020, vol 4

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -0800

It’s Christmas Eve. It’s all been building up to this: tonight and tomorrow — basically one continuous celebration with a long winter’s nap in the middle of it. It's the ideal day for reminiscing about Christmases past.

And so, as you and I spend part of Christmas Eve together, I’m so happy to present the fourth and final memories episode for the season. I’m so grateful to everyone who’s shared a memory this year, making 2020 truly the biggest and best season yet for sharing warm Christmas memories with the rest of the Christmas Past family.

Mentioned in this episode

Echo Boomers podcast
Kringle Talks Football podcast

Music in this episode

Wish Background — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: A Visit From Saint Nicholas

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 07:00:00 -0800

A Visit from Saint Nicholas wasn't the first published poem to describe Santa Claus arriving on a sleigh to deliver toys on Christmas Eve. But it is the best known poem to do it. In fact, it's one of the best known poems in the English language. But the story behind A Visit from Saint Nicholas, is in its own way, almost as elusive as catching a glimpse of Santa Claus himself on Christmas Eve. It’s a story of somewhat mysterious origins, disputed authorship, combining of legends, and the making of modern Christmas.

Thank you to Debra Schmidt Bach from the New-York Historical Society for appearing in this episode.

Be sure to check out the "Definitive Directory of Christmas Podcasts"

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Music in this episode

Wish Background — Kevin MacLeod via Incompetech
Night Light — Blue Dot Sessions via Free Music Archive
Joy to the World — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist
Snowy Afternoon — Borrtex via Free Music Archive
Deck the Halls A — Kevin MacLeod via Incompetech
Nostalgic Resonance — Scott Holmes via Free Music Archive
Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Your Christmas Memories: 2020, vol 3

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 07:00:00 -0800

Christmas is just days away. At this point in the season, maybe you're feeling like you wish you could slow down time and make it all last just a bit longer. It's the perfect time to really reflect on the warmth and magic of the season, and the memories of Christmas Past. So I'm proud to present another episode this season dedicated to just that!

Music in this episode

Wish Background — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
Christmas Memories — Jim Witter, shared directly by the artist

Be sure to check out the "Definitive Directory of Christmas Podcasts"

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Mrs. Claus

Sat, 19 Dec 2020 06:30:00 -0800

Just who is Mrs Claus? A token character, destined to play second fiddle? A grandmotherly figure baking cookies? The queen of Christmas? The CEO of the North Pole? Since her off-hand introduction in 1849, the story of Mrs. Claus has been one of a legend that’s been writing itself.

Thanks to Deeana Golden from IBRBS for appearing in this episode. And special thanks to Tiffany Houghton for permission to use her song, Mrs. Claus.

Be sure to check out the "Definitive Directory of Christmas Podcasts"

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Music in this episode

Mrs Claus — Tiffany Houghton and Tiffany Alvord, via YouTube (used with the artists' permission)
Lullaby — JVNA via YouTube Audio
Wish Background — Kevin MacLeod via Incompetech
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear — Kevin MacLeod via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Poinsettias

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 07:30:00 -0800

According to legend, a little girl named Pepita saw her humble nativity offering of roadside weeds miraculously transform into bright red flowers on Christmas eve. For generations, the legend was part of the Christmas celebration for many communities in Mexico. And that's where it could have stayed, if it weren't for a man named Poinset. The story of how the poinsettia came to America and how they came to be so ubiquitous at Christmas, has some strange twists and turns in it. Ones that involve a kidnapping, possibly a murder, international diplomacy, and a good old fashioned American success story.

Thanks to Mark Schmeller for appearing in this episode.

Be sure to check out the "Definitive Directory of Christmas Podcasts"

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Music in this episode

Wish Background — Kevin MacLeod via Incompetech
Drops of Earth — Aakash Gandhi via YouTube Audio Library
Surface Tension 1 — Podington Bear via Free Music Archive
Ranch Hand — Blue Dot Sessions via Free Music Archive
Greensleves — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist
Dimlight — Podington Bear via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Your Christmas Memories: 2020, vol 2

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 08:11:39 -0800

It's a first! The 2020 season of Christmas Past includes multiple episode dedicated just to you and your Christmas memories. So let's cozy up by the fire and reminisce with the rest of the Christmas Past family with some treasured memories from our listeners.

Don't forget to check out the Definitive Directory of Christmas Podcasts!

Music in this episode

Wish Background — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Mince Pies

Sun, 13 Dec 2020 07:00:00 -0800

The mince pie is one of the least understood, most maligned, and sometimes subversive Christmas traditions we have. And yet, it’s still here. With its pastry crust and spiced — and often, boozy — fruit filling, it’s a survivor. And its story touches on hallucinogens, Prohibition, food preservation, the Puritans, and a Christmas dessert with a bad-boy reputation. A dessert that’s as American as, well...as American as mince pie.

Thanks to Veronique Greenwood for appearing in this episode.

Be sure to check out the "Definitive Directory of Christmas Podcasts"

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Music in this episode

Wish Background — Kevin MacLeod via Incompetech
Denzel Sprak — BlueDot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
Burned — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive
Twinkle in the Night — Aakash Gandhi, via YouTube Audio Library
Stille Nacht — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Interview: Mark Voger, author of Holly Jolly

Sat, 12 Dec 2020 14:55:16 -0800

I'm back with another surprise episode. This time, author Mark Voger and I talk about Christmas nostalgia in popular culture. It's the topic of his new book, Holly Jolly.

Links

Music in this episode

Turning — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

Be sure to check out the "Definitive Directory of Christmas Podcasts"

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Christmas in Connecticut

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 09:00:00 -0800

When is a Christmas movie not a Christmas movie? Well, for starters, when it’s released in August. But even more so, when it arrives before a time when the very notion of Christmas movies even existed. Christmas in Connecticut checks all of the boxes of a Christmas movie. Its events occur over Christmas, and there's plenty of Christmas imagery. But at the time of its release, Christmas movies didn't really exist. But of course they do today, and it's mostly thanks a single, revolutionary, invention that would change Christmas forever.

Thanks you Alonso Duralde, author of Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas, for appearing in this episode.

Be sure to check out the "Definitive Directory of Christmas Podcasts"

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Music in this episode

Wish Background — Kevin MacLeod via Incompetech
Invisibly Beauty — Aakash Gandhi, via YouTube Audio Library
Walk Through the Park — TrackTribe, via YouTube Audio Library
Jazz Piano Bar — Doug Maxwell, via YouTube Audio Library
O Holy Night — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Your Christmas Memories: 2020, vol 1

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 11:19:14 -0800

It's my favorite episode of the year: the one that's all about YOU and your Christmas memories. For the past four seasons straight, Christmas Past has presented an episode filled with Christmas memories from listeners all over the world. Is 2020 the first year that there will be more than one episode like this? Only you can decide that. There's still time to send Christmas memories to appear in this season.

Check out the ThreeKicksPodcast from Chris, who appears in this episode

Don't forget to check out the Definitive Directory of Christmas Podcasts!

Music in this episode

Wish Background — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Wassail

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 09:00:00 -0800

Nowadays, wassail, like sugarplums or hot buttered rum, is a part of the Christmas season that most of us experience mainly through references in songs and stories and artwork. But this old English custom is about much more than sharing a cup of good cheer. It’s about one of the parts of Christmas that’s mostly likely destined to remain stuck in Christmas past: inverting the normal rules of social order...with a little help from alcohol.

Thanks to Conrad Bladey, author of the five-volume The Book of Wassail, for appearing in this episode.

Be sure to check out the "Definitive Directory of Christmas Podcasts"

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Music in this episode

The Wassail Song — Chris Friesen, via Noisetrade
Slow Toe — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
Cases to Rest — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
Wassail Wassail — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist
Wish Background — Kevin MacLeod via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Interview: Dana Nachman on her new documentary, Dear Santa

Sat, 05 Dec 2020 09:00:00 -0800

Dana Nachman is the director / writer / producer of Dear Santa. This new documentary follows various people involved in the US Postal Service's century-old "Operation Santa" program, which helps get children's letters to Santa Claus answered.

Dear Santa is available on several major streaming platforms. Check this listing to see how you can watch it at home.

You can also watch this interview on YouTube!

Mentioned in this episode

My Dear Santa: A True Crime Christmas Caper: Christmas Past's six-part miniseries about John Gluck and the Santa Claus Association
Backstory — Letters to Santa: a 2016 episode of Christmas Past, exploring the history behind this tradition
The Definitive Directory of Christmas Podcasts

Music in this episode

O Little Town of Bethlehem — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist.

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Snow Globes

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 09:00:00 -0800

Snow globes are one of those items that seems like it could have been around forever. But they are a relatively new invention, and it wasn’t until decades after their invention that they’d become more or less exclusively a Christmas decoration. And that’s a story involving shoemakers, World War II, Austrian souvenir shops, baby food, and a super top secret process for creating fake snow. That literally only one person on earth knows.

Thank you to Erwin Perzy III of Original Viennese Snowglobe Manufacture for appearing in this episode.

Be sure to check out the "Definitive Directory of Christmas Podcasts"

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Music in this episode

Music Box Brams Opus 39 - Waltz no 3 — Flying Deer FX, via Freesound
Golden Hour — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive
Under the Stars — Shady Dave, via FreeSound
Lyric Pieces, Op. 12 – I. Arietta — Edvard Grieg, via Musopen
Home for the Holidays — Chris Haugen, via YouTube Audio Library
Fresh Fallen Snow — Chris Haugen, via YouTube Audio Library
Wish Background — Kevin MacLeod via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Bonus Episode: This. Is. Sheperdy!

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 09:00:00 -0800

In this bonus episode, Brian's Christmas spirit is put to the test with a fun-filled game of Christmas trivia. This…is…Sherperdy!

Today, we take a little break from the typical action. Normally this time of year, the episodes feature the backstories to Christmas traditions and Christmas memories.

But a very special member of the Christmas Past family invited yours truly to play a game of Christmas trivia. So, play along at home and see how you do!

Thanks again to Rachel in New York for inviting me to play.

You can also watch this game on YouTube.

Music in this episode

Home for the Holidays — Chris Haugen, via YouTube Audio Library

Be sure to check out the "Definitive Directory of Christmas Podcasts"

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Candy Canes

Sat, 28 Nov 2020 09:00:00 -0800

For something so closely tied to Christmas — whose very image and flavor is practically synonymous with the season — it may be surprising to realize that origins of candy canes are something of a sweet mystery.

Thanks to Kirk Vashaw, CEO of Spangler Candy Company, for appearing in this episode.

Be sure to check out the "Definitive Directory of Christmas Podcasts"

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Music in this episode

Shooting Star — Dexter Britain, via Free Music Archive
Gentle Marimbas — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive
Early Morning Snow— Chuck Brown, via Feels Like Christmas
Christmas Eve — Borrtex, via Free Music Archive
Wish Background — Kevin MacLeod via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads "The Velveteen Rabbit"

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 09:00:00 -0800

Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Well here we are at the beginning of another Christmas season together. This is Christmas season number five for Christmas Past. Today we're ringing in the 2020 Christmas season with a reading of the 1922 story, The Velveteen Rabbit.

Be sure to check out the "Definitive Directory of Christmas Podcasts"

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Music in this episode

"The Little Drummer Boy" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist
"Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Interview: Alex Palmer, author of The Atlas of Christmas

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 08:36:04 -0800

We're kicking off November of 2020 with a visit from an old friend. Alex Palmer, author of The Santa Claus Man, appeared in Christmas Past's miniseries, My Dear Santa,: A True Crime Christmas Caper. Now he's back with a new book, The Atlas of Christmas.

Join Alex and me for a discussion some of the fun, quirky Christmas traditions around the world that we miss out on here in America.

Don't forget to check out the Definitive Directory of Christmas Podcasts!

Music in this episode

I Saw Three Ships — Audionautix, via YouTube Audio Library

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads "Smee"

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 09:00:00 -0700

Just in time for Halloween, it's a story about a very creepy game of hide that takes place on Christmas Eve. Happy Halloween! Christmas Past is back for another Ber Months Bonus episode, for those of us getting an early start on the Christmas season.

Keep in touch

Don't forget to check out the Definitive Directory of Christmas Podcasts!

Music in this episode

Quiet Road — Peder B. Helland, via Soothing Relaxation
Planet Earth — Peder B. Helland, via Soothing Relaxation

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads "It Was the Same Christmas Morning"

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 09:00:00 -0700

We're almost to the end of October. The countdown to Christmas is in full swing, and I'm back again with another Ber Months Bonus episode. This time it's another forgotten work of Christmas fiction: the 1917 short story "It was the same Christmas morning," by Cyrus Townsend Brady.

Be sure to check out the "Definitive Directory of Christmas Podcasts"

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Music in this episode

Planet Earth — Peder B. Helland, via Soothing Relaxation
Heartstrings — Dave Depper, via Needledrop

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads "My Christmas Dinner"

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 09:00:00 -0700

It's mid-October and that means the countdown to the countdown to Christmas is in full swing! Christmas cards and panettones are starting to appear on the shelves. Maybe you're even starting to think about Christmas dinner. So was the protagonist of this episode's short story. I'm reading the 1895 story, published anonymously, called My Christmas Dinner. It's a comedy of manners about a narrator who turns down one Christmas dinner invitation after another, holding out for the "ideal" Christmas invitation to arrive.

I hope you enjoy hearing it as much as I enjoyed reading it!

Don't forget to check out the Definitive Directory of Christmas Podcasts!

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Music in this episode

Christmas Village — Aaron Kenny, via YouTube Audio Library
Planet Earth — Peder B. Helland, via Soothing Relaxation

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads "The Lone Scout's Christmas"

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 09:32:16 -0700

In today's episode, Brian reads the1917 short story titled 'The Lone Scout's Christmas,' by Cyrus Townsend Brady. It's the story of a grieving boy facing a Christmas in an unfamiliar place, when he finds himself stranded in the snow. But he uses his scouting skills to bring everything to a satisfyingly Christmassy conclusion.

Be sure to check out the "Definitive Directory of Christmas Podcasts"

Music in this episode

Relaxing Piano Music — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
Cottonwoods — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads “Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains,” part 9

Sun, 04 Oct 2020 11:19:40 -0700

We’re back for the ninth and final installment of the 1918 YA novel, “Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains (or: A Christmas Success Against Odds).” It’s part of Christmas Past’s “Ber Months Bonus” series of episodes for those of us getting an early start on the Christmas season.

Be sure to check out the "Definitive Directory of Christmas Podcasts" over at christmaspast.media

Music in this episode

We Are the Rain — Aakash Gandhi via YouTube Audio Library
Relaxing Piano Music — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads “Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains,” part 8

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 09:16:58 -0700

We’re back for the eighth (and next-to-last) installment of the 1918 YA novel, “Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains (or: A Christmas Success Against Odds).” It’s part of Christmas Past’s “Ber Months Bonus” series of episodes for those of us getting an early start on the Christmas season.

Stay subscribed for more Christmas fun throughout the Ber Months all the way up to Thanksgiving Day when the REAL Christmas season episodes begin.

Music in this episode

“Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
The Christmas Song — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads "Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains," part 7

Sat, 26 Sep 2020 08:54:57 -0700

We're back for the seventh installment of the 1918 YA novel, "Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains (or: A Christmas Success Against Odds)." It's part of Christmas Past's "Ber Months Bonus" series of episodes for those of us getting an early start on the Christmas season.

As the countdown to Christmas grows shorter, the danger grows higher for the girls of the Flamingo Camp Fire. Find out what peril this episode has in store!

Stay subscribed for new installments every few days over the next couple of weeks!

Music in this episode

“Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"We Wish You a Merry Christmas" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads "Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains," part 6

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 08:45:55 -0700

We're back for the sixth installment of the 1918 YA novel, "Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains (or: A Christmas Success Against Odds)." It's part of Christmas Past's "Ber Months Bonus" series of episodes for those of us getting an early start on the Christmas season.

We're now about halfway through the story and in this installment, the action takes a breather, while the Christmas spirit ramps up a bit in Hollyhill.

Stay subscribed for new installments every few days over the next couple of weeks!

Music in this episode

“Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Gaena" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads "Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains," part 5

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 08:52:06 -0700

Continuing our "Ber Months Bonus" series, we're back for the next installment of the 1918 YA novel, "Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains (or: A Christmas Success Against Odds)." The plot takes a bit of a breather in this installment, as everyone reacts to the harrowing events from last time. Stay subscribed for new installments every few days over the next couple of weeks!

Music in this episode

“Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Silk and Silver" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads "Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains," part 4

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 09:25:57 -0700

Welcome to the next installment of Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains (or: A Christmas Success Against Odds). Brian is reading this 1918 YA novel to kick off the Ber Months for those of us getting an early start on the Christmas season. This time, we check in on the boy scouts as they set out on their own holiday plans, only to stumble upon a devious plot!

Music in this episode

“Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Gentle Marimbas" — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads "Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains," part 3

Sat, 05 Sep 2020 10:18:27 -0700

We're continuing our Ber Months bonus series for those of us getting an early start on the Christmas season. Brian is reading the 1918 YA novel, Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains (or: A Christmas Success Against Odds). Last time we left the girls, they were on a train ride, and hostess Marion was disturbed by a mysterious letter. Let's see what happens next!

Music in this episode

“Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Night Light" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads "Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains," part 2

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 09:36:45 -0700

Welcome back. We're continuing where we left off from the 1918 YA novel, "Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains (or: A Christmas Success Against Odds). It's a fitting kickoff to the Ber Months Bonus episodes of 2020. Stay subscribed as I continue bringing a few chapters in each installment every few days until the story is complete.

Music in this episode

“Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Turning" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads "Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains," part 1

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 08:36:13 -0700

For many of us, the start of the 'Ber Months' marks the beginning of the holiday season. So today, on Ber Months Eve, I'm launching a new Story Time miniseries.

Because COVID will make Christmas of 2020 a Christmas against the odds, I thought it would be fitting to read the 1918 YA Novel, Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains (or: A Christmas Against Odds).

I'll read one or two chapters in each installment until the story is complete. Happy Ber Months, sugarplums!

Music in this episode

“Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Turning" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Interview: Leon Day 2020 with crafter Juliette Williams

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 09:06:37 -0700

Happy Leon Day, everyone! We're at the exact halfway point to Christmas. Christmas in July is just days away, and so is the start of the 2nd Annual Christmas Past summer cookie swap. I hope you're feeling as festive as I am! Leon Day is the unofficial start of the Christmas crafting season, so I asked crafter Juliette Williams to join me to discuss the magic of a handcrafted Christmas. For more info Leon Day's backstory, check out my episode from 2019.

Mentioned in this episode

Music in this episode

"Christmas Village" — Aaron Kenny, via YouTube Audio Library
"Falling Snow" — Aakash Gandhi, via YouTube Audio Library
"I Saw Three Ships" — Audionautix, via YouTube Audio Library
"Cottonwoods" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Turning" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads "Lill's Travels in Santa Claus Land"

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 17:07:32 -0700

I'm back with another installment of story time. Here's a great one for the whole family: "Lill's Travels in Santa Claus Land," a story from 1878. And though she isn't mentioned by name, it's one of the first times that a Mrs Santa Claus shows up in print!

Enjoy the story, and stay safe!

Music in this episode

“Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Checkmate" — Nathan Moore, via YouTube Audio Library

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Roundtable: Two Truths and a Lie, with Todd Killian, Carrie Mercer, and Chris Swietlik

Wed, 20 May 2020 15:15:53 -0700

Welcome to another game where you need to spot the lie! This time, I'm joined by Todd from Christmas Clatter, Carrie from Christmas Book Review, and Chris from Yuletide TV.

Oh, and after more than 100 episodes, this is the last time you'll hear me sign off from "sunny San Mateo, California." Christmas Past is moving to new headquarters, so stay subscribed to hear where. (Spoiler: it's not the North Pole.)

Stay safe and healthy, everyone!

Mentioned in this episode

Craig Kringle's Twitter feed
Mrs Claus by Tiffany Alvord and Tiffany Houghton

Music in this episode

“Silk and Silver” — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads "The Heavenly Christmas Tree"

Tue, 05 May 2020 21:59:38 -0700

It's another installment of Christmas in Quarantine! I hope you're staying safe and healthy and keeping your spirits up. Today's episode is another edition of story time. This one's on the sad side, but it is a classic story from Dostoevsky. Enjoy!

Music in this episode

“A Little Powder” — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
“Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Interview: Carrie Mercer from Christmas Book Review (plus: Giveaway Announcement!)

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 20:53:08 -0700

It's another installment of Christmas in Quarantine! Today we're getting bookish with Carrie Mercer, host of Christmas Book Review. Join us for a literary celebration of the season, and discover some new stories to add to your reading list.

And listen for details, because Carrie is giving away a copy of Jon Clinch's new novel, Marley!

Music in this episode

"Harp Lullaby" — Sound Phenomenon, via SoundCloud

Books mentioned in this episode

Meg and Jo by Virginia Kantra
Marley's Ghost by Mark Osmun
Marley by Jon Clinch
Red and Lulu by Matt Tavares
The Christmas Tugboat by Adele Ursone and George Matteson
The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand
Mr.Dickens and Hi

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Episode 100!

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 22:31:24 -0700

It's Christmas Past's 100th episode! Join me and some special guests for a look back at how Christmas Past came to be and where it's going. Thank you so much for being part of the Christmas Past family and coming along for the ride!

Music in this episode

"Turning" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Night Light" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Stille Nacht" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist
"It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist
“Deck the Halls B” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads "Christmas, a Happy Time," Part 2

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 23:16:37 -0700

Christmas in Quarantine: Day 22. Today's installment is the second half of yesterday's classic Christmas story. It's Miss Mant.'s 1832 "Christmas, A Happy Time: A Tale, Calculated for the Amusement and Instruction of Young Persons."

Christmas Past's 100th episode is coming soon. I'd love for you to be on it. Record a voice memo into your phone -- anything at all you'd like to share with the Christmas Past family -- and send it to christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com.

Stay subscribed for daily episodes.

Music in this episode

"Solar Gain" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
“Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads "Christmas, a Happy Time," Part 1

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 21:39:11 -0700

Christmas in Quarantine: Day 21. Today's installment is the start of another classic Christmas story. It's Miss Mant.'s 1832 "Christmas, A Happy Time: A Tale, Calculated for the Amusement and Instruction of Young Persons."

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Music in this episode

"Noe Noe" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
“Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Roundtable: Two Truths and a Lie, with Julia Colburn, Duane Bailey, and Craig Brewer

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 22:37:58 -0700

Christmas in Quarantine: Day 20. Today's installment is another game of separating fact from fiction. It's two truths and a lie! Join me, along with Julia from Tis the Podcast, Duane from Tinsel Tunes, and Craig from Weird Christmas as we trade some festive fibs. Play along with us!

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Music in this episode

"Warm Feeling" — Borrtex, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Roundtable: He-Man & She-Ra: A Christmas Special with Mike Westfall and Tim Babb

Sun, 05 Apr 2020 20:54:58 -0700

Christmas in Quarantine: Day 19. Today's installment is another moonwalk down memory lane to the world of 1980s Christmas cartoon specials. It's 1985's He-Man & She-Ra: A Christmas Special...which is arguably neither special nor Christmassy. It's all in the eye of the beholder. So join me and my fellow beholders, Mike Westfall from Advent Calendar House and Tim Babb from Can't Wait for Christmas.

Links from this episode

Music from this episode

"Jimmy Ching: Dragon King!" — Matt Oakley, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads "Deck the Halls"

Sat, 04 Apr 2020 19:17:00 -0700

Christmas in Quarantine: Day 18. Today's installment is another story, this time a contemporary one. Our friend Sarah Tipper has given us another story from her collection, Tales to Take You to Christmas.

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Music in this episode

"Cottonwoods" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
“Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Christmas Past Presents: The Plot to Overthrow Christmas

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 17:26:37 -0700

Christmas in Quarantine: Day 17. Today's installment is another trip back to the golden age of radio. On December 25, 1938, the world heard for the first time Norman Corwin's radio play told in rhyming verse: The Plot to Overthrow Christmas. It's another Christmas classic just waiting to be rediscovered by a modern audience.

Hope you enjoy! And stay subscribed for daily episodes.

Music in this episode

“Golden Hour” — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Roundtable: Deck the Halls with Wacky Walls, with Chris and Kris Sisley and Mike Patton

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 21:14:13 -0700

Christmas in Quarantine: Day 16: Today, we're heading back to the 80s, when all you needed for a cartoon Christmas special was a bestselling toy and a flimsy storyline. Deck the Halls with Wacky Walls tells the story of a group of Wacky Wall Walkers who come to earth from a distant planet to discover the true meaning of Christmas. I'm joined by Chris and Kris from Christmas Time in the City and Mike from Snow in Southtown for this very 80s episode.

Links from this episode

Deck the Halls with Wacky Walls on YouTube
Snow in Southtown podcast
Christmas Time in the City podcast

Music in this episode

"Red City Theme" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads "The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton," Part 2

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 19:54:22 -0700

Christmas in Quarantine: Day 15. We pick up where we left off yesterday, with the second half of Charles Dickens's story. Stay subscribed for new episode EVERY DAY!

Music in this episode

"LaBranche" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
“Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads "The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton," Part 1

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 18:21:44 -0700

Christmas in Quarantine: Day 14. Today's installment is another classic Christmas story, by special request. This story from Charles Dickens's appears in The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club. It's "The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton." I'm breaking it up into two parts: part 1 today; part 2 tomorrow.

Stay safe and healthy, and stay subscribed for a new episode EVERY DAY!

Music in this episode

"Up Up and Over" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
“Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

Spread some Christmas cheer by helping more people discover the show! It's as easy as telling a friend about it or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, I'll send you a sticker to say thanks!

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Roundtable: Two Truths and a Lie, with Todd Killian and Gerry Davila

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 23:00:03 -0700

Christmas in Quarantine: Day 13. Today's installment is a devious twist on Christmas trivia. We're playing a game of Two Truths and a Lie. Join me and Todd Killian from Christmas Clatter, and Gerry Davila from the forthcoming podcast, Totally Rad Christmas, as we challenge each other to separate fact from fiction!

Christmas in Quarantine is Christmas Past's impromptu miniseries of indeterminate length. Stay subscribed for one new episode each day until things settle down on the COVID-19 crisis.

Music in this episode

"Skyway" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Interview: Author Jon Clinch discusses his novel, Marley

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 20:36:52 -0700

Christmas in Quarantine: Day 12. Today's installment is an interview with author Jon Clinch. His 2019 novel, Marley is a prequel to A Christmas Carol and the untold story of Scrooge's mysterious business partner. It's a moody, noirish return to the world of Dickens in a story of double dealings, false identities, debauchery, and even worse! I recently caught up with Jon Clinch from his home in Vermont.

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Music in this episode

"Snowflake" — Borrtex, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Playlist: New Christmas Music Sampler, Vol 2

Sat, 28 Mar 2020 16:41:46 -0700

Christmas in Quarantine: Day 11. Today's installment is a playlist of new Christmas music from independent artists! Discover some new festive faves to set the mood!

Stay subscribed for a new episode every day for the foreseeable future!

Music in this episode

"Losers on a Christmas Eve" — Greg Atkinson, via Free Music Archive
"Believe in me this Christmas" — Will Heikoop, via Free Music Archive
"Song for a Winter's Night" — The Nancies, via Free Music Archive
"I'm not drinking for Christmas" — Derek Clegg, via Free Music Archive
"Snow on Snow: In the Bleak Midwinter" — Rue Royale, via Free Music Archive
"Buying Presents" — Borrtex, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads "Christmas Every Day"

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 18:39:14 -0700

Christmas in Quarantine: Day 10. Today's installment is another classic Christmas story for the whole family. As requested by a member of the Facebook group, Brian is reading "Christmas Every Day," the 1892 short story by William Dean Howells.

Stay subscribed for a new episode every day for the foreseeable future!

Music in this episode

“Turning” — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
“Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Roundtable: The Dean Martin Christmas Show, with Jenna Knorr and Todd Killian

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 19:51:08 -0700

Christmas in Quarantine: Day 9. Today's installment is a trip back to when the crooners crooned and the eggnog was always spiked. Join me and my guests Todd Killian from Christmas Clatter and Jenna Knorr from Welcome to Tinsel Town as we discuss the 1968 variety special, The Dean Martin Christmas Show.

Stay subscribed, because there will be a new episode of Christmas Past every day until we're all in the clear!

Music in this Episode

"The Holly and the Ivy" — Richard M S Irwin, via Hymns Without Words

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Roundtable: Christmas Trivia Game with Lee Cameron, Tim Babb, Thom Crowe, and Joanna Wilson

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 19:07:57 -0700

Christmas in Quarantine: Day 8. Today's installment is a challenging game of Christmas trivia! Join me along with Lee Cameron of The Christmas Stocking, Tim Babb from Can't Wait for Christmas, Thom Crowe from Tis the Podcast, and Joanna Wilson from Christmas TV history as we put your Christmas spirit to the test.

Stay subscribed, because there will be a new episode of Christmas Past every day until we're all in the clear!

Music in this Episode

"Thannoid" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Christmas Past Presents: Yours Truly, Jonny Dollar: The Carmen Kringle Matter

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 19:28:33 -0700

Christmas in Quarantine: Day 7. Today's installment takes us back to the days when radio reigned supreme. It's a Christmassy adventure from the man with the action-packed expense account: Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar. This story, The Carmen Kringle Matter, first aired on December 22, 1957.

Stay subscribed, because there will be a new episode of Christmas Past every day until we're all in the clear!

Music in this Episode

“We Wish you a Merry Christmas” — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads "Christmas Dinner"

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 20:30:22 -0700

Christmas in Quarantine: Day 6. Today's installment features the fifth and final of Washington Irving's pieces from his "Old Christmas" collection.

Stay subscribed, because there will be a new episode of Christmas Past every day until we're all in the clear!

Music in this Episode

“The Temperature of the Air on the Bow of the Kaleetan” — Chris Zabriskie, via Free Music Archive
"Relaxing Piano Music" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads "Christmas Day"

Sun, 22 Mar 2020 22:02:20 -0700

Christmas in Quarantine: Day 5. Today's installment features the fourth of Washington Irving's five pieces from his "Old Christmas" collection.

Stay subscribed, because there will be a new episode of Christmas Past every day until we're all in the clear!

Music in this Episode

“Early Morning Snow”— Chuck Brown, via Feels Like Christmas
"Relaxing Piano Music" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads "Christmas Eve"

Sat, 21 Mar 2020 22:54:18 -0700

Christmas in Quarantine: Day 4. Today's installment features the third of Washington Irving's five pieces from his "Old Christmas" collection.

Stay subscribed, because there will be a new episode of Christmas Past every day until we're all in the clear!

Music in this Episode

“Night Light”— Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Relaxing Piano Music" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads "The Stagecoach"

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 20:58:44 -0700

Christmas in Quarantine: Day 3. Today's installment of picks up where yesterday's episode left off, with the second of Washington Irving's five pieces from his "Old Christmas" collection.

Stay subscribed, because there will be a new episode of Christmas Past every day until we're all in the clear!

Music in this Episode

“Comfort and Joy”— Philip Wesley, via Feels Like Christmas
"Relaxing Piano Music" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads "Christmas"

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 20:23:38 -0700

Christmas in Quarantine: Day 2. Today's installment marks the first of a five part series where I read each of the five story/essays from Washington Irving's "Old Christmas from the Sketchbook of Washington Irving." The first piece, "Christmas" is a love letter to the season and the Christmas spirit.

Mentioned in this Episode

https://nypost.com/2020/03/18/people-are-putting-up-christmas-lights-during-coronavirus-pandemic/

https://www.etonline.com/hallmark-channel-schedules-christmas-movie-marathon-during-self-quarantine-exclusive-143313

Music in this Episode

"Sal's Piano Solo" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Relaxing Piano Music" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads "A Kidnapped Santa Claus"

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 20:19:09 -0700

Christmas in Quarantine: Day 1. Everyone is housebound amid the COVID-19 crisis, and lots of us are putting up our Christmas decorations again to cope! Today I'm introducing "Christmas in Quarantine," an impromptu miniseries of indeterminate length. I'll release one new episode every day until the crisis subsides.

Today, I bring you Frank L. Baum's 1904 classic, "A Kidnapped Santa Claus."

Mentioned in this Episode

https://nypost.com/2020/03/18/people-are-putting-up-christmas-lights-during-coronavirus-pandemic/

Music in this Episode

"Turning" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Relaxing Piano Music" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Brian reads "As the Automobile Ran Down"

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 18:43:31 -0800

Happy Valentine's Day, sugarplums! There's nothing like a love story to keep the Christmas spirit alive. For this installment of Story Time, I've chosen "As the Automobile Ran Down," a 1901 short story by Charles Loomis.

Link from this episode

Survey: American's genuinely more excited about Valentine's Day than Christmas

Music in this Episode

"Gaena" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Relaxing Piano Music" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Christmas Around the World: The UK

Sun, 02 Feb 2020 18:00:16 -0800

Pack an umbrella and a jumper, because the next stop for Christmas Around the World is the UK. This month, Chantelle and her guest Nadine give us the history and traditions that make a British Christmas...British!

Stay subscribed to Christmas Past, for episodes all throughout the year. And if you leave a review on Apple Podcasts, I'll send you a sticker to say thanks. Contact me for details at christmaspast.media/contact.

Links from this episode

Music in this episode

"Rule Brittania!" — United States Army Strings, via Wikimedia Commons
"Sal's Piano Solo" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Glinka Nocturne" — Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka, via Museopen
"Shift of Currents" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Ink" — Chad Crouch, via Free Music Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Christmas Around the World — Canada

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 10:32:46 -0800

It's time to bundle up, practice our French, and watch out for moose! We're learning all about having a joyeux Noel in Canada with Chantelle Joy from All Things Christmas. This is the first official episode of the new monthly Christmas Around the World series.

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Christmas 2019

Tue, 24 Dec 2019 21:23:40 -0800

Another Christmas in the books! By the time you see this, Christmas of 2019 belongs to Christmas Past. We close out the "official" Christmas season as we've done for four years in a row. It's our annual look back at the news and trends that made Christmas of 2019 what it was. We also do a little year-in-review for the podcast, and take a look ahead to what 202 has in store.

Thank you all for making the 2019 season the biggest and best yet for Christmas Past! From the bottom of my heart, I'm wishing each of you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Music in this episode

"Deck the Halls A" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Christmas Memories 2019

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 08:12:45 -0800

It's my favorite episode of the year: the one that's all about YOU! For the third year in a row, I've received more memories from you than I had episodes to put them in. So that means I once again have the special privilege of brining you an episodes filled with your Christmas memories.

Thanks to everyone who shared a Christmas memory in this episode and throughout the season. These little glimpses into your Christmas past are what makes the show special...and makes Christmas itself special too.

Music in this episode

All of the tracks in this episode are from Don Maue's album, Smokey Mountain Christmas. The artist shared all of the tracks directly with Christmas Past. If you're interested in getting a copy, check it out here on CD Baby.

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: It's a Wonderful Life

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 13:19:30 -0800

No Christmas story starts out as a classic. And the road to classic status is often a long one filled with unexpected turns. It's a Wonderful Life wasn't a big success when it debuted in 1947. It wasn't until a quirk of American copyright law gave it a second life on television in the 1970s that it earned its place as a cornerstone of Christmas cinema. Movie critic and author Alonso Duralde joins in this episode.

Links

Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas, by Alonso Duralde

Music

"Bipolar Christmas" — pftq, via SoundCloud
"Wonder Cycle" — Chris Zabriskie, via Free Music Archive
"Continue Life" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Luminous Rain" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 07:16:38 -0800

Yes, it's the most famous newspaper editorial of all. It's also the untold story of two skeptics addressing disillusionment, and the iconic statement on the magic of childhood, and belief, and Christmas that resulted.

Links

Music in this episode

"Fig Leaf Rag" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Golden Hour" — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive
"We Wish you a Merry Christmas" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist
"The Temperature of the Air on the Bow of the Kaleetan" — Chris Zabriskie, via Free Music Archive
“Wish Background” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Mistletoe

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 06:06:12 -0800

We've treated mistletoe specially for thousands of years. But how did it go from being an ancient medicine and superstitious talisman to a festive—and smoochy—Christmas custom?

Links

Kiss Me Mistletoe Farm

Music in this episode

"Nostalgic Resonance" — Scott Holmes, via Free Music Archive
"The Little Drummer Boy" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist
"Careless Morning" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
“Wish Background” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Miniseries: Rikki Meece Reads "When the Yule Log Burns," Part 4

Sun, 15 Dec 2019 07:36:21 -0800

We're back for the fourth and final part of this special four part miniseries. Rikki Meece from the Sleigh Bells & Mistletoe Christmas Podcast narrates the classic story, When the Yule Log Burns, by Leona Dalrymple. Episodes arrive on four consecutive days starting December 12.

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Miniseries: Rikki Meece Reads "When the Yule Log Burns," Part 3

Sat, 14 Dec 2019 08:52:10 -0800

We're back for part three of this special four part miniseries. Rikki Meece from the Sleigh Bells & Mistletoe Christmas Podcast narrates the classic story, When the Yule Log Burns, by Leona Dalrymple. Episodes arrive on four consecutive days starting December 12.

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Miniseries: Rikki Meece Reads "When the Yule Log Burns," Part 2

Fri, 13 Dec 2019 08:13:29 -0800

We're back for part two of this special four part miniseries. Rikki Meece from the Sleigh Bells & Mistletoe Christmas Podcast narrates the classic story, When the Yule Log Burns, by Leona Dalrymple. Episodes arrive on four consecutive days starting December 12.

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Miniseries: Rikki Meece Reads "When the Yule Log Burns," Part 1

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 07:08:06 -0800

In this special bonus miniseries, Rikki Meece from the Sleigh Bells & Mistletoe Christmas Podcast narrates the classic story, When the Yule Log Burns, by Leona Dalrymple. This is a four-part miniseries, with episodes arriving on four consecutive days starting December 12.

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Silent Night

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 07:08:47 -0800

It's the best known Christmas song in the world, but the story behind it less well known. Maybe that's because so many myths, legends, and half truths have been added to the origin story over the years. With the help of Wayne Bronner of Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, we'll go back to 1818 for the birth of an accidental Christmas hymn and its unlikely ascent to history's most recorded song in any genre.

Links

Bronner's Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, Michigan
The Silent Night chapel in Oberndorf, Austria

Music in this episode

"Silent Night" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Stille Nacht" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Discussion: The Glo Friends Save Christmas with Todd Killian, Duane Bailey, Tim Babb, and Mike Westfall

Sun, 08 Dec 2019 09:59:29 -0800

We’re taking a trip back to the 80s. It was a time when it was not only possible, but likely, that any popular toy would have its own line of spinoff merchandise, a breakfast cereal, and a Saturday morning cartoon. And if it was popular enough…it got a Christmas special. 1985 gave us The Glo Friends Save Christmas. A half-hour special in which the Glo Friends must save Santa Claus from the clutches of an evil witch who’s determined to stop Christmas. I recently caught up with some of my Christmas podcasting colleagues to discuss the good, the bad, and the head-scratchingly absurd about this largely forgotten cartoon special.

Announcements

There’s still time to get tickets for Christmas Land in Los Angeles on December 15. Follow on Instagram @christmaslandexperience
A Christmas in July convention is in the works for 2020 in Nashville…and I’ll be there!
Follow on Instagram @christmasinjulyconvention and on Twitter @AJulyChristmas
If you leave a review I’ll send you a Christmas card containing a Christmas Past sticker. Write me at christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com for details.
Send your Christmas memory for the 2019 season. Record yourself on your phone’s voice recorder app and send it to christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com.

Links

The Glo Friends Save Christmas full special on YouTube
Tinsel Tunes podcast with Duane Bailey
Can't Wait for Christmas podcast with Tim Babb
Christmas Clatter podcast with Todd Killian
Advent Calendar House podcast with Mike Westfall

Music in this episode

"Turning" — Blue Dot Sessions via Free Music Archive

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Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Christmas Dinner

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 10:16:35 -0800

The traditional Christmas dinner of a turkey, potatoes, green beans, and fruit pie has been around for nearly two hundred years. But why? The story of how we got here is one of ancient winter feasting, agricultural societies, socio-economics, religion, a pig that’s technically a fish, and turkeys on stagecoaches. In this episode, Brian and historian Judith Flanders explore why the standard Christmas dinner is stuck in a nineteenth century time warp.

Links

Christmas: A Biography by Judith Flanders

Music in this episode

"Chrysalis" — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive
"Burned" — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive
"Under the Stars" — Shady Dave, via FreeSound
"It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"April" — Kai Engel, via Free Music Archive
"Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Discussion: The Christmas Pickle, with Richard Parks III, Craig Kringle, and Tim Babb

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 09:19:01 -0800

Here on Christmas Past, I dig in to the backstories behind Christmas traditions. But what happens when you can’t even verify that the thing you’re researching even is a tradition? That’s what happened when I started looking into the Christmas Pickle. You’ve probably seen pickle tree ornaments, or maybe seen posts about them in your social media feeds. The story goes that it’s an old German tradition. But…the more you dig in, the more you have to wonder.

Well, luckily someone else has done the heavy lifting. A trained journalist, no less. Richard Parks III is the host of Richard’s famous food podcast. And last year he dedicated an episode to his investigation of the topic. So join me, Tim Babb from Can't Wait for Christmas and Craig Kringle from Weird Christmas as we explore, theorize, and generally goof around discussing the strange and mysterious phenomenon of the Christmas Pickle.

Announcements

There’s still time to get tickets for Christmas Land in Los Angeles on December 15. Follow on Instagram @christmaslandexperience
A Christmas in July convention is in the works for 2020 in Nashville…and I’ll be there!
Follow on Instagram @christmasinjulyconvention and on Twitter @AJulyChristmas
If you leave a review I’ll send you a Christmas card containing a Christmas Past sticker. Write me at christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com for details.
Send your Christmas memory for the 2019 season. Record yourself on your phone’s voice recorder app and send it to
christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com.

Music in this episode

"Red City Theme" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

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Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Christmas Ghost Stories

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 23:11:35 -0800

Nowadays our Christmas stories are mainly warm and cozy. They’re about reunions and homecomings. Romances and magical journeys and visits from St. Nicholas. But not so very long ago, and especially for the Victorians, Christmas stories could also send chills down your spine and make you think twice about things that go bump in the night.

In this episode, professor Tara Moore tells Brian about this creepy part of Christmas history. Plus, Brian reads the ghost story, The Strange Christmas Game.

Links

The Valancourt Book of Victorian Christmas Ghost Stories, by Tara Moore

Music in this episode

"The Snowgarden" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Nouvelle Noel" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Relaxing Piano Music" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Undercover Vampire Policeman" — Chris Zabrieski, via Free Music Archive
"Dance for One" — Dexter Britain, via Internet Archive

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Interview: Barbara Hinske, Author of 'The Christmas Club'

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 07:38:16 -0800

Barbara Hinske is an attorney turned full-time novelist. Her 2016 novella, The Christmas Club is the basis for the 2019 Hallmark Channel movie of the same name. In this Ber Months Bonus episode, Brian and Barbara discuss writing, Christmas stories, Hallmark movies, and much more.

Music in this episode

"Deck the Halls A" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

Announcements

There’s still time to get tickets for Christmas Land in Los Angeles on December 15
A Christmas in July convention is in the works for 2020 in Nashville…and I’ll be there!
If you leave a review I’ll send you a Christmas card containing a Christmas Past sticker. Write me at christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com for details.
Send your Christmas memory for the 2019 season. Record yourself on your phone’s voice recorder app and send it to the email address above

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Live From The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Sun, 01 Dec 2019 10:04:44 -0800

It's Christmas Past's first live show! Join Tim Babb from Can't Wait for Christmas and Brian Earl for an hour of games, music, and conversation, recorded outside the Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco. This is the first time the Dickens Fair has hosted a live podcast recording.

About the fair

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is a one-of-a-kind holiday adventure into Victorian London - an elaborate party with hundreds of costumed players performing and interacting with patrons in over 120,000 square feet of theatrically-lit music halls, pubs, dance floors, and Christmas shops. It's a twilight evening in Charles Dickens' London Town - a city of winding lanes filled with colorful characters from both literature and history. Enticing aromas of roasted chestnuts and hearty foods fill the air. Cries of street vendors hawking their wares ring out above the bustling crowd. Dozens of lamplit shops are filled to overflowing with Christmas gifts. The Dickens Christmas Fair is a treasured Bay Area tradition since 1970 and a splendid way to celebrate the holidays.

Special thanks

This live show wouldn't have been possible without the hard work and boundless Christmas spirit of Denise Lamott of Denise Lamott public relations, and Kevin Patterson, the director of the fair (who appears in this episode). Thanks also to the wonderful musicians who appear in this episode: The Coventry Carolers, The Brothers Luper, and The Paddy West School of Seamanship.

Announcements

There's still time to get tickets for Christmas Land in Los Angeles on December 15
A Christmas in July convention is in the works for 2020 in Nashville...and I'll be there!
If you leave a review I’ll send you a Christmas card containing a Christmas Past sticker. Write me at christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com for details.
Send your Christmas memory for the 2019 season. Record yourself on your phone’s voice recorder app and send it to the email address above

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Miniseries: My Dear Santa, Chapter 1: The Tardy Saint

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 02:30:00 -0800

At the turn of the 20th century, the idea of kids writing letters to Santa Claus was still new. Post offices, newspapers, and charities publicly disputed how to handle the letters. It was a logistical and public relations problem, which would take a clever plan to address.

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Miniseries: My Dear Santa, Chapter 2: Santa's Secretary and the Gun-Toting Boy Scouts

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 02:00:00 -0800

John Gluck was a workaday customs broker who dreamed of bigger things. So when he heard that the Postal Service needed help with letters to Santa, he came forward with a plan to get the letters into the hands of donors. With a little help from a troop of boy scouts, John Gluck and his Santa Claus Association did the (seemingly) impossible.

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Miniseries: My Dear Santa, Chapter 3: From a Cave to a High Rise

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 01:30:00 -0800

What happens when a charitable endeavor starts looking more and more like an elaborate con? As Gluck sought to expand operations, he started playing fast and loose with the facts in order to raise money and hobnob with the rich and powerful.

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Miniseries: My Dear Santa, Chapter 4: War Santa Claus

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 01:00:00 -0800

During the Great War, fraudulent wartime charities abounded in New York City. When the district attorney started a sweeping investigation, John Gluck found himself in his crosshairs. But that was just the beginning of his troubles.

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Miniseries: My Dear Santa, Chapter 5: A Spy in the House of Claus

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 00:30:00 -0800

You'd think that Gluck couldn't make things worse for himself...but you'd be wrong. He finds himself the subject of more investigations, and gets himself into hot water with the state Attorney General. But this isn't the end of the Santa Claus Association. But...that is coming.

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Miniseries: My Dear Santa, Chapter 6: A Comeback and a Takedown

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0800

In the early 20s, John Gluck wanted to reinvigorate the Santa Claus Association to its original glory, with the help of some high profile endorsements.But along the way, he crossed the one man who figures out the stunningly simple way to shut down Gluck once and for all.

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Playlist: New Christmas Music Sampler, Vol 1

Sat, 23 Nov 2019 11:02:43 -0800

I'm back with another Ber Months Bonus episode. Your favorite Christmas radio station may have you thinking that there are only about two dozen Christmas songs (mostly from the 1940s and 50s) worth listening to. Nonsense! In this episode, I share some new music worthy of your next Christmas playlist.

Announcements

There's still time to get tickets for Christmas Land in Los Angeles on December 15
A Christmas in July convention is in the works for 2020 in Nashville...and I'll be there!
If you leave a review I’ll send you a Christmas card containing a Christmas Past sticker. Write me at christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com for details.
Send your Christmas memory for the 2019 season. Record yourself on your phone’s voice recorder app and send it to the email address above

Follow Christmas Past on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and check out all the bonus Christmas content at christmaspast.media

Links

Music in this episode

"Deck the Halls A" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Christmas in Suburbia" — The Wynotte Sisters, contributed by the artist
"Christmas Imagination" — Trio West, contributed by the artist
"Midnight Christmas Lullaby" — The Predicates, contributed by the artist
"Santa's Sleighin' It" — Chrissy Blazier, contributed by the artist
"Deck the Halls" — Rue Royale, via Free Music Archive

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Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: "The Little Match Girl"

Sun, 17 Nov 2019 20:12:12 -0800

I'm back with another Ber Months Bonus episode. This week, I read the classic short story by Hans Christian Andersen: The Little Match Girl.

Announcements

Brian and Tim Babb from Can't Wait for Christmas will record a live episode on November 24 at the
Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco
There's still time to get tickets for
Christmas Land in Los Angeles on December 15
A Christmas in July convention is in the works for 2020 in Nashville...and I'll be there!
If you leave a review I’ll send you a Christmas card containing a Christmas Past sticker. Write me at christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com for details.
Send your Christmas memory for the 2019 season. Record yourself on your phone’s voice recorder app and send it to the email address above

Follow Christmas Past on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and check out all the bonus Christmas content at christmaspast.media

Music in this episode

"A Little Powder" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Relaxing Piano Music" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Christmas Con 2019

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 09:04:20 -0800

I'm back with another Ber Months Bonus episode! This week, I'm taking you inside Christmas Con 2019.

Announcements

If you leave a review I’ll send you a Christmas card containing a Christmas Past sticker. Write me at christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com for details.
Send your Christmas memory for the 2019 season. Record yourself on your phone’s voice recorder app and send it to the email address above.
I’m doing a live show this year at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco in November. I’m teaming up with Tim Babb from Can’t Wait for Christmas for a fun and very Victorian hour or Christmas spirit.
I'll be at ChristmasLand on December 15 in Los Angeles! It’s an immersive Christmas movie experience that'll give you "all the feels.” Follow them on Instagram @christmaslandexperience.

Follow Christmas Past on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and check out all the bonus Christmas content at christmaspast.media

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Storytime: "Keep it all the Year"

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 22:12:17 -0700

I'm back with another Ber Months Bonus episode! This time, I read you the short story "Keep it all the Year" by Sarah Tipper. You can find her short story collection, Tales to take you to Christmas, on Amazon.

Announcements

If you leave a review I’ll send you a Christmas card containing a Christmas Past sticker. Write me at christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com for details.
Send your Christmas memory for the 2019 season. Record yourself on your phone’s voice recorder app and send it to the email address above.
I’m doing a live show this year at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco in November. I’m teaming up with Tim Babb from Can’t Wait for Christmas for a fun and very Victorian hour or Christmas spirit.
I’ll be appearing on a podcasters panel at Christmas Con in Edison New Jersey on November 9, but tickets are sold out.
I'll be at ChristmasLand on December 15 in Los Angeles! It’s an immersive Christmas movie experience that'll give you "all the feels.” Follow them on Instagram @christmaslandexperience.

Follow Christmas Past on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and check out all the bonus Christmas content at christmaspast.media

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Christmas Around the World: Japan

Sun, 27 Oct 2019 17:25:51 -0700

I'm back with another Ber Months Bonus episode! This time, I have the honor of sharing an audio piece by Chantelle from All Things Christmas. Learn all about Christmas in Japan! And then, check out Chantelle's blog and YouTube channel.

Announcements

If you leave a review I’ll send you a Christmas card containing a Christmas Past sticker. Write me at christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com for details.
Send your Christmas memory for the 2019 season. Record yourself on your phone’s voice recorder app and send it to the email address above.
I’m doing a live show this year at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco in November. I’m teaming up with Tim Babb from Can’t Wait for Christmas for a fun and very Victorian hour or Christmas spirit.
I’ll be appearing on a podcasters panel at Christmas Con in Edison New Jersey on November 9, but tickets are sold out.
I'll be at ChristmasLand on December 15 in Los Angeles! It’s an immersive Christmas movie experience that'll give you "all the feels.” Follow them on Instagram @christmaslandexperience.

Follow Christmas Past on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and check out all the bonus Christmas content at christmaspast.media

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Storytime: "A Christmas Adventure"

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 22:42:51 -0700

I'm back with another Ber Months Bonus episode! This time, I read the 1921 short story, "A Christmas Adventure," by J. E. Chamberlin. Hope you enjoy!

Announcements

If you leave a review I’ll send you a Christmas card containing a Christmas Past sticker. Write me at christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com for details.
Send your Christmas memory for the 2019 season. Record yourself on your phone’s voice recorder app and send it to the email address above.
I’m doing a live show this year at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco in November. I’m teaming up with Tim Babb from Can’t Wait for Christmas for a fun and very Victorian hour or Christmas spirit.
I’ll be appearing on a podcasters panel at Christmas Con in Edison New Jersey on November 9, but tickets are sold out.
I'll be at ChristmasLand on December 15 in Los Angeles! It’s an immersive Christmas movie experience that'll give you "all the feels.” Follow them on Instagram @christmaslandexperience.

Follow Christmas Past on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and check out all the bonus Christmas content at christmaspast.media

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Presenting: The Best of Christmas Clatter

Fri, 11 Oct 2019 21:52:49 -0700

I'm back with another Ber Months Bonus episode! This time, I present a special "best of" sampler from Todd Killian's podcast, Christmas Clatter.

Announcements

If you leave a review I’ll send you a Christmas card containing a Christmas Past sticker. Write me at christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com for details.
Send your Christmas memory for the 2019 season. Record yourself on your phone’s voice recorder app and send it to the email address above.
I’m doing a live show this year at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco in November. I’m teaming up with Tim Babb from Can’t Wait for Christmas for a fun and very Victorian hour or Christmas spirit.
I’ll be appearing on a podcasters panel at Christmas Con in Edison New Jersey on November 9, but tickets are sold out.
I'll be at ChristmasLand on December 15 in Los Angeles! It’s an immersive Christmas movie experience that'll give you "all the feels.” Follow them on Instagram @christmaslandexperience.

Follow Christmas Past on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and check out all the bonus Christmas content at christmaspast.media

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Storytime: "The Christmas Present"

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 21:05:28 -0700

I'm back with another Ber Months Bonus episode! This time, I read you a forgotten Christmas short story, "The Christmas Present" from 1922.

Announcements

If you leave a review I’ll send you a Christmas card containing a Christmas Past sticker. Write me at christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com for details.
Send your Christmas memory for the 2019 season. Record yourself on your phone’s voice recorder app and send it to the email address above.
I’m doing a live show this year at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco in November. I’m teaming up with Tim Babb from Can’t Wait for Christmas for a fun and very Victorian hour or Christmas spirit.
I’ll be appearing on a podcasters panel at Christmas Con in Edison New Jersey on November 9.
The Christmas Past iPhone app is coming! More details soon.
ChristmasLand is happening on December 15 in Los Angeles. It’s immersive Christmas movie experience that'll give you "all the feels.” Follow them on Instagram @christmaslandexperience.

Follow Christmas Past on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and check out all the bonus Christmas content at christmaspast.media

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: "The Gift of the Magi"

Thu, 26 Sep 2019 16:10:42 -0700

I'm back with another Ber Months Bonus episode! This time, I read you the classic Christmas story, "The Gift of the Magi."

Announcements

If you leave a review I’ll send you a Christmas card containing a Christmas Past sticker. Write me at christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com for details.
Send your Christmas memory for the 2019 season. Record yourself on your phone’s voice recorder app and send it to the email address above.
I’m doing a live show this year at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco in November. I’m teaming up with Tim Babb from Can’t Wait for Christmas for a fun and very Victorian hour or Christmas spirit.
I’ll be appearing on a podcasters panel at Christmas Con in Edison New Jersey on November 9.
The Christmas Past iPhone app is coming! More details soon.
ChristmasLand is happening on December 15 in Los Angeles. It’s immersive Christmas movie experience that'll give you "all the feels.” Follow them on Instagram @christmaslandexperience.

Follow Christmas Past on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and check out all the bonus Christmas content at christmaspast.media

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: Mister Christmas with Kyle Bullock

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 20:09:03 -0700

We're in the Ber Months now, so get ready for some bonus episodes as we ease our way into the 2019 Christmas season! In this episode, author Kyle Bullock shares an extended preview of the audio version of his new Christmas story, Mister Christmas.

Take a listen to the first two chapters of Mister Christmas. And then, if you want to hear the rest, Kyle has extended a special offer to Christmas Past listeners. You can have the whole story for $3.00! Just use the promo code GIFT at checkout at www.misterchristmasbook.com.

I'll be at Christmas Con on Nov 8, 9, and 10 in Edison NJ. Come meet the stars of your favorite Hallmark Channel Christmas movies, and come to my panel discussion!

Join the conversation on social media. Search for Christmas Past on Twitter and Instagram, and join the Christmas Past Facebook Group.

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Presenting: Christmas TV History with Joanna Wilson

Fri, 06 Sep 2019 17:21:30 -0700

We're in the Ber Months now, so get ready for some bonus episodes as we ease our way into the 2019 Christmas season!

Announcements in this episode

I am appearing at Christmas Con on Nov 9!
I am appearing at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair on Nov 24!
The coming season of Christmas Past includes a special 6-part series...details to come

About this bonus episode

Joanna Wilson is an author, blogger, and podcaster who studies Christmas entertainment. In this episode, I share part of her five-part series about that topic. Enjoy this bonus episode, then go to Christmas TV History to check out the rest.

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Leon Day (Plus Special Announcements!)

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 21:07:51 -0700

It's June 25, and that means we're exactly halfway to Christmas! The occasion has come to be known as Leon Day, but nobody's really sure how that all got started. But one thing's for sure: many crafters recognize it as the day to get started on their Christmas crafting. In this episode, I get some insight from Holly, a crafter from Missouri. We also hear from Mary in Ireland, who shares some of her memories about celebrating "halfway to Christmas."

Also, just like last year, this summer episode also includes a midyear check-in and special announcements about the upcoming season of Christmas Past. You'll definitely want to check it out, because 2019 is going to be the biggest and best season yet!

For even more info about Leon Day, check out this article I recently wrote for All Things Christmas.

Mentioned in this episode

Music in this episode

“Comfort and Joy”— Philip Wesley, via Feels Like Christmas
"Golden Hour" — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive
"Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

Rate and review Christmas Past on Apple Podcasts, and I'll send you an official Christmas Past sticker and a handwritten Christmas card to say thanks!

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Christmas 2018

Sun, 23 Dec 2018 20:29:51 -0800

In a few short days, Christmas of 2018 will belong to Christmas Past. So in this final episode of the 2018 Christmas season, Brian looks back at some of the news and trends that defined this year's Christmas. There's also a little year-end wrap up for the show and the world of Christmas podcasts in general.

Thank you all for being part of the 2018 season of Christmas Past! Everyone who listened, told a friend, shared a memory, participated in the Facebook group, and engaged on other social media.

I wish you all a very merry Christmas!

Music in this Episode

"Deck the Hall B" - Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Christmas Memories 2018

Fri, 21 Dec 2018 21:29:48 -0800

It's my favorite episode of the Christmas season: the one dedicated to you sharing your favorite Christmas memories and traditions. Thank you to everyone to shared a part of their Christmas with us in this episode!

Music in this episode

"Night Light" - Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

Visit http://christmaspast.media for more Christmas fun!

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Listener Mail and Christmas Memories

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 00:26:12 -0800

In this bonus episode, Brian answers questions from the listener mailbag, and we also here a a few Christmas memories.

Music in this episode

"Relaxing Piano Music" - Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: NORAD Tracks Santa Claus

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 22:55:58 -0800

In 1955, a misplaced phone call unwittingly created an annual Christmas tradition. It's a story shrouded in a bit of mystery, a lot of Christmas spirit, and a sworn duty to ensure Santa’s safe passage through open airspace. Find out why NORAD tracks Santa on Christmas Eve.

Music in this episode

"Escape"— Chris Holmes, via Free Music Archive
"A Little Powder"— Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Rabbit Hole"— Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Western Greb"— Chad Crouch, via Free Music Archive
"Wish Background"— Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: The War on Christmas

Sat, 15 Dec 2018 23:09:56 -0800

Shortly after Thanksgiving, certain cable news and talk radio pundits remind you that it’s that it’s time once again to be outraged. Because sinister forces are working to take Christmas away from you. Is there really a war on Christmas? Listen to this episode and then judge for yourself.

Music in this episode

"Undercover Vampire Policeman"— Chris Zabriskie, via Free Music Archive
"Together we Stand" — Scott Holmes, via Free Music Archive
"Gentle Marimbas" — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive
"Holiday Gift" — Kai Engel, via Free Music Archive
"We Wish You" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Box Canyon" — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive

Rate Christmas Past on Apple Podcasts, and I'll send you a sticker to say thanks. After leaving your review, get in touch through the contact page at http://christmaspast.media/contact and let me know your Apple Podcasts username and an address where you can receive your sticker.

Follow Christmas Past on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Christmas Past is a proud member of the Christmas Podcast Network, a collection of the best Christmas shows around.

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Learning the Truth About Santa Claus

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 00:01:45 -0800

Usually on Christmas Past, I share your Christmas memories. But this episode is dedicated to me sharing one of mine. It’s a memory you have too, in some form, because it’s inevitable for everyone who grows up celebrating Christmas and believing in Santa Claus. It should go without saying that this episode is for the grownups only!

Music in this episode

"Relaxing Piano Music" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

Follow Christmas Past on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Christmas Past is a proud member of the Christmas Podcast Network, a collection of the best Christmas shows around.

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: The Twelve Days of Christmas (the song)

Sun, 09 Dec 2018 22:34:08 -0800

Twelve days of Christmas? What's up with that? And who ever thought turtle doves and partridges make good Christmas gifts? (Come to think of it, just what the heck is a turtle dove?) We'll get to the bottom of it all with the help of language professor Mark Sundaram.

Music in this episode

"Hark the Herald Angels Sing" — Doug Hammer, via Feels Like Christmas
"Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Twelve Days of Christmas" — Inner Splendor, via Feels Like Christmas
"Gentle Marimbas" — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive
"Thannoid" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Interview: Welcome to Tinsel Town's Jenna Knorr and Adam Ganong

Sat, 08 Dec 2018 12:50:58 -0800

Welcome to Tinsel Town is a new Christmas adventure podcast that arrived on Thanksgiving Day. Join me as I talk to Jenna Knorr and Adam Ganong to discuss the making of a new audio drama. And then check out their show wherever you get podcasts, or https://trianglecontent.com/podcasts/welcometotinseltown/

Music in this Episode

"Night Light" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

Follow Christmas Past on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Christmas Past is a proud member of the Christmas Podcast Network, a collection of the best Christmas shows around.

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: The WPIX Yule Log

Thu, 06 Dec 2018 23:01:34 -0800

Few things are more Christmassy than the flickering glow of a log on the fire. Even when that fire is experienced on a TV or device screen, it still conjures up a cozy and festive atmosphere. A New York city TV station introduced the televised Yule Log in 1966. What began as a quirky experiment would eventually take on a life of its own!

Music in this Episode

"Let There be Joy" — Cathy Oakes, via Feels Like Christmas
"Early Morning Snowfall" — Chuck Brown, via Feels Like Christmas
"Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Angels We Have Heard" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

Follow Christmas Past on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Christmas Past is a proud member of the Christmas Podcast Network, a collection of the best Christmas shows around.

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Miracle on 34th Street

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 22:43:33 -0800

Miracle on 34th Street doesn't fit today's standards for what makes a movie Christmassy. It involved a cynical child and a Santa Claus who gets locked up in a mental health institution before undergoing a public psych hearing. Not only that, but the movie was released in June of 1947. And yet, it has gone on to become not only a beloved movie, but also a cherished tradition. How did that happen? We'll find out with the help of film critic Alonso Duralde.

Music in this episode

“Losing Love” — Dexter Britain
"Hard Boiled" — Kevin MacLeod
"Cherry Blossom" — Kevin MacLeod
"Sad Marimba Planet" — Lee Rosevere
"Do You Hear What I Hear?" — Jimmy Atkins

Follow Christmas Past on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Christmas Past is a proud member of the Christmas Podcast Network, a collection of the best Christmas shows around.

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Fruit cake

Fri, 30 Nov 2018 23:40:42 -0800

It's the Christmas cake we love to hate. But why? How did a cake steeped in history and tradition, tied closely to the Christmas celebration (and often soaked in booze, no less) go on to become so widely mocked?

Music in this Episode:

Night Day: Dan Yan Key
Blue Highway: Poddington Bear
Dowl: Poddington Bear
Wish Background: Kevin MacLeod

Follow Christmas Past on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Christmas Past is a proud member of the Christmas Podcast Network, a collection of the best Christmas shows around.

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Did Charles Dickens Really "Invent" Christmas?

Tue, 27 Nov 2018 22:25:28 -0800

Christmas wouldn't be the same without the influence of Charles Dickens and his most famous work: A Christmas Carol. Some have even gone as far as saying he basically "invented" Christmas as we know it today. So...did he? In this episode, I get answers from the man himself!

Music in this Episode:

Traditional tune played by band at Dickens Fair
Snowfall: Shady Dave
Wish Background: Kevin MacCleod

Follow Christmas Past on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Christmas Past is a proud member of the Christmas Podcast Network, a collection of the best Christmas shows around.

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Why do we say "Merry Christmas"?

Sun, 25 Nov 2018 00:09:37 -0800

Have you ever wondered why we say "merry Christmas" and not "happy Christmas"? And why the word "merry" seems to exist nowadays only to be used for spreading holiday cheer? We'll get it sorted out with the help of linguist Arika Okrent.

Music in this Episode:

Gaena: Blue Dot Sessions
March: Kai Engel
Delicant: Podington Bear
Suppose it Is: Podington Bear
Wish Background: Kevin MacCleod

Follow Christmas Past on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Christmas Past is a proud member of the Christmas Podcast Network, a collection of the best Christmas shows around.

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

A Podcast Family Thanksgiving 2018

Wed, 21 Nov 2018 19:07:27 -0800

We're kicking off the 2018 season with a Thanksgiving family gathering of Christmas podcasters. Join members of the Christmas Podcast Network as we share our thoughts about one of our favorite topics: Christmas music!

Thanks to these great podcasts for lending their voices:

Tinsel Tunes
Can't Wait for Christmas
Christmas Creeps
Weird Christmas
Tis the Podcast
Advent Calendar House

And a shout out to the rest of the Christmas Podcast Network shows:

Deck the Hallmark
Hallmark and Jess
It's a 90s Christmas Podcast

Find out more about each show at http://www.christmaspodcastnetwork.com

Music in this episode

Night Light by Blue Dot Sessions

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Christmas in July

Sun, 15 Jul 2018 00:00:00 -0700

It's the basis for summer sales, Hallmark movie marathons, and memes and hashtags strewn across social media. But what exactly is Christmas in July? And where did it come from?

Music from this episode

"Turning" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Tessalit" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Heliotrope" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

Be sure to follow Christmas Past on social media. I'm posting fun extra Christmassy content on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I also sometimes post things to Pinterest. You can send me messages in any of those places, or you can write me at christmaspastpodcast AT gmail DOT COM. I reply to every email I get!

You can subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, like iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and TuneIn. If you're on an Android device, the simplest way to subscribe may be right here.

And please rate and review the show on iTunes. It's a quick and painless way to show support. It takes less than a minute, and it helps more people find the show.

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Christmas 2017

Sun, 24 Dec 2017 00:30:00 -0800

The this final episode of the season, we take a look back at Christmas of 2017 and do a year-end wrap up for the show.

Music from this episode

“Deck the Halls A” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

You can subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, like iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and TuneIn. If you're on an Android device, the simplest way to subscribe may be right here.

And please rate and review the show on iTunes. It's a quick and painless way to show support. It takes less than a minute, and it helps more people find the show.

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Christmas Memories 2017

Fri, 22 Dec 2017 00:30:00 -0800

By popular request, this episode is dedicated solely to your Christmas memories!

Thank you to this episode's contributors

Claudia, in Italy
Ana and Hector, in Mexico
Jake, in Australia
Anne, in California
Jessie, in Pennsylvania
Julie, in New York
Rose Marie, in Chicago
Keith, in New York
Andrea, in Washington (host of the baking podcast, Preheated)
Gabe, in Michigan (host of the gaming podcast, Inter Party Conflict)

Music from this episode

“Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

And please rate and review the show on iTunes. It's a quick and painless way to show support. It takes less than a minute, and it helps more people find the show.

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: A Christmas Story

Wed, 20 Dec 2017 00:30:00 -0800

In 1983, moviegoers were introduced to little Ralphie Parker. And even though A Christmas Story looms large today with 24-hour marathons, sequels, and merchandise, but it was a slow climb to the top.

Fun Links

A Christmas Story House: Web site for the house / museum from the movie
Triple Dog Dare: Book by Joanna Wilson (who appears in episode 16 this season), recounting her experience watching the entire 24-hour movie marathon
Criminally Intrigued: Web site by Anthony, who shares a Christmas memory in this episode

Music from this episode

“Losing Love” — Dexter Britain, via Free Music Archive
“Sad Marimba Planet” — Lee Rosevere, via Free Music Archive
“Nouvelle Noel” — Kevin MaCleod, via Incompetech
“Poppyseed” — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive

You can subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, like iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and TuneIn. If you're on an Android device, the simplest way to subscribe may be right here.

And please rate and review the show on iTunes. It's a quick and painless way to show support. It takes less than a minute, and it helps more people find the show.

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Eggnog

Mon, 18 Dec 2017 00:30:00 -0800

We've drunk some form of eggnog since medieval times. But it didn't become a Christmas beverage until it reached America.

Fun Links

Tis the Podcast: Check out the gang from Tis the Podcast. They share their favorite Christmas movie memories in this episode
Jeffrey Morganthaler: Author and craft bartender Jeffrey Morganthaler shares his signature eggnog recipes
The Bar Book: Jeffrey's definitive guide to the elements of cocktail technique

Music from this episode

“Night Light” — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
“Contrarian” — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
“Wish Background” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
"Partly Sage" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

Stay connected to Christmas Past

You can subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, like iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and TuneIn. If you're on an Android device, the simplest way to subscribe may be right here.

And please rate and review the show on iTunes. It's a quick and painless way to show support. It takes less than a minute, and it helps more people find the show.

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: La Buche du Noel

Thu, 14 Dec 2017 00:30:00 -0800

La buche du Noel is a festively eye-catching dessert from France. And it wouldn't have been possible if not for a nineteenth century urbanization trend and the widespread availability of cheap sugar.

Fun Links

Maggie's Creations Patisserie: Maggie Ragaisis's Facebook page, with more lovely baked goods
Pretend Radio: Web site for the podcast from Javier, who shares a memory in this episode

Music from this episode

“Sad French Accordion” — Dana Boule, via Free Music Archive
“Paris Ballade” —Dana Boule, via Free Music Archive
“Rainy Night” —Dana Boule, via Free Music Archive
“Turning” — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
“Solar Gain” — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive

Stay connected to Christmas Past

You can subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, like iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and TuneIn. If you're on an Android device, the simplest way to subscribe may be right here.

And please rate and review the show on iTunes. It's a quick and painless way to show support. It takes less than a minute, and it helps more people find the show.

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: The Nutcracker

Mon, 11 Dec 2017 00:30:00 -0800

Unlike other Christmas traditions that Americans import from abroad, The Nutcracker didn't become a Christmas tradition until it reached America. And as far as Christmas traditions go, it's one of the newer ones we have.

Fun Links

Nutcracker Nation: Book by Jennifer Fisher, the expert guest from this episode
Super Co-op Squad: Video game podcast hosted by Johnny Mac, who shares a Christmas memory in this episode

Music from this episode

“The Nutcracker Suite” — Gene Gajewski, via SoundCloud
“Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” — Kevin MacLeod, via Free Music Archive

Stay connected to Christmas Past

You can subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, like iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and TuneIn. If you're on an Android device, the simplest way to subscribe may be right here.

And please rate and review the show on iTunes. It's a quick and painless way to show support. It takes less than a minute, and it helps more people find the show.

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Holly

Thu, 07 Dec 2017 00:30:00 -0800

Holly is inseparable from Christmas. But its use in wintertime celebrations goes back even farther than Christmas itself.

Fun Links

The Story Behind: Podcast by Emily Prokop, who shares a Christmas memory in this episode
Holly Society of America

Music from this episode

“Snowing” — Peter Rudenko, via Free Music Archive
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” — 12 Tracks of Christmas, via SoundCloud
“The Holly and the Ivy” — Richard M S Irwin, via Hymns Without Words
"Saltines" — Podington Bear, viaFree Music Archive

Stay connected to Christmas Past

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And please rate and review the show on iTunes. It's a quick and painless way to show support. It takes less than a minute, and it helps more people find the show.

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Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Golden Age Christmas TV Cartoons

Mon, 04 Dec 2017 00:30:00 -0800

In 1962, the first Christmas cartoon created for television debuted. And even decades later, nothing can compete with the classic cartoons from that era.

Fun Links

Weird Christmas: We heard from Craig Kringle and his podcast, Weird Christmas
Tis the Season TV: Book by Joanna Wilson, the expert guest in this episode
Christmas TV History: Joanna Wilson's Web site
Fat Packs Podcast: The podcast from Eric Norton, who shares a memory in this episode

Music from this episode

“Wingspan” — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
“Gentle Marimbas” — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive
“Flattered” — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Bethlehem" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Story Time: The House of Seven Santas, Part 1

Fri, 01 Dec 2017 00:00:00 -0800

In a first-of-its-kind crossover collaboration, seven Christmas podcasters are coming together to read you the classic Christmas story, The House of the Seven Santas, by John Kendrick Bangs.

Each podcast will present a few minutes of the story. You'll hear seven different Christmas podcasts in all to hear the story in its entirety. Here's the full list:

Part 1: Christmas Past (you are here!)
Part 2: Can't Wait for Christmas
Part 3: Tis the Podcast
Part 4: Christmas Creeps
Part 5: Weird Christmas
Part 6: Holiday Special Podcast
Part 7: Merry Podcast

Music from this episode

“Turning” — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
“Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Christmas Lights

Thu, 30 Nov 2017 00:30:00 -0800

The first Christmas lights appeared in 1882, and would forever change the scenery at Christmas time.

Fun Links

Can't Wait for Christmas: The podcast hosted by Tim Babb, who shared a memory in this episode
Christmas Ornaments, Lights and Decorations: Book by George Johnson, the expert guest in this episode

Music from this episode

“Relinquish” — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive
“Swing Lo” — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive
“Christmas Piano Theme” — PianoMusic, via SoundCloud
"Surface Tension 1" —Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive

Connect with Me

Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Department Store Santas

Mon, 27 Nov 2017 00:30:00 -0800

When the first department store Santa appeared in 1890, it wasn't just a cross section of Christmas and commerce. It was also a major step in the evolution of Santa Claus.

Fun Links

First Department Store Santa: The Web site created by John Merian, who appears in this episode
Eventually Supertrain: The Web site for Daniel Budnick, who shares a Christmas memory on the show

Music from this episode

“Thannoid” — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
“Are We Loose Yet” — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
“Heliotrope” — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
"Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

Connect with Me

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Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Christmas Advertisements

Thu, 23 Nov 2017 00:30:00 -0800

You may cringe at the idea that Christmas advertisements are a legit Christmas tradition. But they're undeniably part of the atmosphere of the season...and have an interesting history behind them.

Fun Links

Genuine Chit Chat: In this episode we hear from Mike, host of Genuine Chit Chat. Check him out on iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts
Christmas in America: The book by Penne Restadt, the expert guest in this episode

Music from this episode

“Pipe Dreamz” — Matt Oakley, via Free Music Archive
“Cases to Rest” — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
“We Wish You” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

Connect with Me

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Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Christmas Day 2016

Sun, 25 Dec 2016 08:53:54 -0800

For the final episode of 2016, we celebrate Christmas Day with Brian's family and take a look back at the 2016 Christmas season.

Thank you, everyone, for a wonderful first season of the podcast! I hope to be back again next year with more stories from Christmas Past.

Things will slow down on social media after today, but I'm not going anywhere, you can always find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or drop me a line at christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2017!

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Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Christmas Eve 2016

Sat, 24 Dec 2016 06:30:23 -0800

It's Christmas Eve! In our second-to-last episode of the season, Brian talks about his favorite Christmas Eve traditions and we hear from some of Brian's family members.

Subscribe on iTunes and visit www.christmaspastpodcast.com for show notes and extra content. Search for Christmas Past podcast on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Sugar Plums

Tue, 20 Dec 2016 21:00:53 -0800

Even though you've heard mention of sugar plum every Christmas of your life, do you actually know what they are?

In this episode, we hear about the history of the sugar plum and how it came to be associated with Christmas.

We have two memories this episode! Both of them recall favorite childhood Christmas movies.

Search for Christmas Past podcast on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and visit http://www.christmaspastpodcast.com for show notes. Write me anytime at christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

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Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Christmas Old Time Radio

Fri, 16 Dec 2016 21:29:56 -0800

Getting tired of 24-hour Christmas movie marathons and stale cartoon specials? Take a trip back in time to the golden age of radio. You may like to check out the Christmas Old Time Radio podcast or search around Archive.org to continue your listening after this episode.

We hear from Chicago DJ Steve Darnall and some Christmas memories from Anna in California. I can't believe we're almost done with the first season of Christmas Past! One more full length episode to come, followed by two mini episodes on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Search for Christmas Past podcast on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit http://www.christmaspastpodcast.com for show notes and more.

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Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Christmas Cards

Mon, 12 Dec 2016 21:18:08 -0800

Americans will send over a billion Christmas cards this year. Even in this age of instantaneous communication, the physical Christmas card is still inseparable from our modern holiday celebration. The Christmas card is an English invention. A man named Henry Cole is credited with creating the first commercially produced Christmas card in 1843. But more interesting are the social, economic, and technological factors that all came together at roughly the same time to enable the birth of the Christmas card.

In this episode we hear from Stephanie Boydell, curator of a special collection of greeting cards. And a Christmas memory from Annmarie in Massachusetts.

Subscribe to Christmas Past on iTunes, Google Play, or however you get your podcasts. Search for Christmas Past podcast on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more Christmas fun. Find show notes and more info about the show at http://www.christmaspastpodcast.com.

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Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Wrapping Paper

Fri, 09 Dec 2016 07:09:31 -0800

The appearance of festive gift wrap in stores is one of the first signs that the Christmas season is here. But wrapping Christmas gifts is a relatively new custom.

In this episode of Christmas Past, we learn about the surprisingly interesting history of wrapping paper, with some help from Pat Lavin of the Framingham History Center.

Corey Constable, host of the Omitted podcast, shares a Christmas memory.

Subscribe to Christmas Past on iTunes or however you get your podcasts. Search for "Christmas Past podcast: on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. And visit www.christmaspastpodcast for show notes and other extra content.

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Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Mon, 05 Dec 2016 07:21:23 -0800

The story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a classic underdog story, but maybe not the way you think. In this episode, we discuss the unlikely journey of Robert L. May from workaday copywriter to creator of an icon.

In this episode we'll hear from Peter Carini, a librarian at Dartmouth College, which holds a collection of May's work. And we'll hear a Christmas memory from Kathy in New Jersey.

Don't forget to subscribe to Christmas Past on iTunes, Google Play, or however you get your podcasts.

Search for "Christmas Past podcast" on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more Christmas history and vintage Christmas content.

Visit www.christmaspastpodcast.com for show notes and more. Contact me at christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

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Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Letters to Santa

Thu, 01 Dec 2016 07:28:49 -0800

The history of writing letters to Santa has some strange surprises in store for us.

In this episode we hear from Gus Ruiz from the US Postal Service, Nancy Pope from the Smithsonian Institution's Postal Museum, and a Christmas Memory from Kenny in Ontario.

Subscribe to Christmas Past on iTunes or however you get your podcasts. Search for "Christmas Past podcast" on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Visit www.christmaspastpodcast.com for show notes. Write me at christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

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Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Gingerbread Houses

Sun, 27 Nov 2016 09:15:26 -0800

For centuries, gingerbread has been connected with all kinds of celebrations and holidays. And what could be more Christmassy than a gingerbread house? In this episode, we look at the history of gingerbread and the somewhat mysterious origins of the gingerbread house.

We'll hear from my mom, who made a gingerbread house every year when I was growing up. We'll also hear from Melissa Ferrar from San Francisco's Fairmont Hotel, which builds a life size gingerbread house annually.

Subscribe to Christmas Past on iTunes or however you get your podcasts. Search for "Christmas Past podcast" on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Visit www.christmaspastpodcast.com for show notes.

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Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Santa Claus, Part 3

Wed, 23 Nov 2016 08:02:16 -0800

We're finishing off the series about Santa with a look at what happened to the legend when it reached America. The Santa we know today is largely an American invention, based on the Dutch legend of Sinter Klaas. Dr. Bruce David Forbes joins one last time to tell us about the American contributions that put the finishing touches on Santa.

Subscribe to Christmas Past on iTunes or however you get podcasts. Leave a review on iTunes, if you like what you hear. You can reach me at christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com.

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Santa Claus, Part 2

Sat, 19 Nov 2016 13:20:14 -0800

Continuing where we left off in part 1, we continue exploring the legend of St. Nicholas. This time, we look at how many cultures left their own imprint on the legend as it spread across Europe.

Once again, I'm joined by professor and author Dr. Bruce David Forbes. We also hear our first Christmas memory of the season from Hope in Massachusetts. You can submit a memory by recording a voice memo on your phone and sending it to christmaspastpodcast at gmail dot com

Subscribe on iTunes or wherever you find podcasts. Search for "Christmas Past podcast" on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. And visit christmaspastpodcast.com for show notes and extra content.

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Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Backstory: Santa Claus, Part 1

Mon, 14 Nov 2016 21:00:00 -0800

We're kicking off the 2016 season with a 3-part series on the evolution of St. Nicholas to Santa Claus. Most episodes this season are for the whole family, but this series is just for the grownups.

In this episode, I cover the life of the historical St. Nicholas, a 4th century bishop from Myra (modern day Turkey), and the legends that followed his death.

Don't forget to subscribe to Christmas Past on iTunes (or however you get podcasts) to make sure you don't miss any episodes this season. And search for "Christmas Past podcast" on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more Christmas fun!

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Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Trailer: Introducing Christmas Past

Tue, 01 Nov 2016 07:08:57 -0700

With the holiday season just weeks away, I thought now would be the perfect time to tell you about the Christmas Past podcast.

Subscribe now on iTunes or however you get your podcasts, and visit me at christmaspastpodcast.com

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Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)